Preview: Bolton vs Sunderland

These two teams will scrap away in Saturday's 3pm kick off, as 17th placed Sunderland travel to 18th spot Bolton. Sunderland manager Steve Bruce hopes the return to action of Nicklas Bendtner will spark his team back into life.

Both teams have endured a disappointing start to the new season, and both are will scrap for three points to push themselves away from the relegation zone.

Sunderland can call about Denmark international striker Nicklas Bendtner, after he was forced out of last weekend's 2-1 defeat to Arsenal. The return of Phil Bardsley after suspension will also be a boost for the Black Cats.

Meanwhile, Bolton are expected to field a similar team to the one that beat Wigan last weekend.

Both Steve Bruce and Owen Coyle are under pressure so far this season, so this could be a crucial game for both managers.

Sunderland have won five of their last six games against Bolton, so form suggests the game could end up in Sunderland's favour.

eyefootball prediction: Bolton 1-1 Sunderland

first goalscorer: Nicklas Bendtner

Bolton [probable]: Jaaskelainen, Boyata, Wheater, Cahill, Robinson, Eagles, Pratley, Reo-Coker, Petrov, K Davies, N'gog.

Sunderland [probable]: Mignolet, Bardsley, O’Shea, Brown, Richardson, El Mohamady, Vaughan, Cattermole, Sessegnon, Larsson, Bendtner.