Preview: Bolton Wanderers vs. Bournemouth

Bolton Wanderers could give their hopes of Championship survival a timely boost with a victory against Bournemouth at the Reebok Stadium on Saturday.

The Trotters are just four points clear of the bottom three after a run of six games without a win in the league, during which time they have conceded 18 goals.

They have lost their last three Championship outings, including a 7-1 drubbing at the hands of Reading last month, while that losing streak extends to four in all competitions.

The bottom three all have a game in hand over Dougie Freedman's side, making it even more important that they begin to pick up points on a regular basis sooner rather than later.

However, only two teams have amassed fewer points in front of their own fans than Bolton this season, with the Trotters winning just twice at home.

Freedman is likely to hand a first start to Liam Trotter and a home debut to Lukas Jutkiewicz, but he is still without long-term absentees Stuart Holden, Joe Riley and Marc Tierney.

Bournemouth are currently six points better off than their opponents in the Championship table following a successful debut season in the second tier so far.

The Cherries have failed to string a consistent run of results together during the campaign, but they will be happy with mid-table mediocrity come the end of the season.

Eddie Howe is expected to give January arrival Yann Kermorgant a first start for the club, although Charlie Daniels is a doubt for the match through injury.

Recent form

Bolton: WDLLLL

Bournemouth: LWDLWL

Possible starting lineups

Bolton: Lonergan; Ream, Mills, Knight, Baptiste; Davies, Spearing; Lee, Trotter, Danns; Jutkiewicz

Bournemouth: Camp; Francis, Elphick, Ward, Harte; O'Kane, Arter, Surman, Ritchie; Kermorgant; Grabban

Sports Mole says: 1-1