Bolton Wanderers and Blackburn Rovers both go into Sunday’s Premier League game at the Reebok Stadium knowing they could do with a victory to stay clear of the bottom three.
The Trotters currently sit just one point above the drop zone while Blackburn are just three points clear of third-from-bottom West Ham.
Bolton have lost their last three games in disappointing fashion, 5-1 against Aston Villa in their last outing, which came on the back of two successive 4-0 defeats to Chelsea.
At home this season they have struggled for form, with one win from a possible six at the Reebok so far.
Meanwhile, Blackburn have had problems on their travels. Ewood Park has became a fortress for the 1995 Premier League winners this season, but away from home they have lost all five of their games, conceding 18 goals in the process.
In addition, Rovers have been hit by the news that manager Allardyce will be missing for the next three games as he prepares to undergo heart surgery.
Bolton could welcome back Danny Shittu and Mustapha Riga, who were sidelined with hamstring injuries, for the clash with Blackburn Rovers.However, they will be without Tamir Cohen who is struggling with a groin injury although Jlloyd Samuel returns from suspension to boost manager Gary Megson's options.
Keith Andrews is Blackburn Rovers only real injury worry ahead of the short trip to face Bolton. The Republic of Ireland international played the full 120 minutes in his country's controversial defeat to France so manager sam Allardyce will check on his fitness levels.
Midfielder Vince Grella should be available for Rovers after recovering from a thigh injury.
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