Bolton vs Newcastle

A much needed win against Blackburn on Tuesday night means we will at least be off the bottom of the table on Christmas Day, which history tells us is statistically a good thing as only West Brom have ever escaped the drop from that position.

However we now need to ensure this is not a false dawn like the Stoke game and we need to kick on and win our remaining two fixtures this year, starting with Newcastle.

Last season we won this fixture 5-1. A repeat of that wouldn't go amiss.

Team News

Bolton full-back Paul Robinson is likely to be recalled in place of Marcos Alonso, who faces a six-week absence after injuring his foot.

David Wheater is available after completing a four-match suspension.

Newcastle midfielder Yohan Cabaye also returns from a ban but Dan Gosling is still suspended.

Defender Davide Santon is a doubt with a knee problem, while Peter Lovenkrands, Danny Guthrie, Steven Taylor and Sylvain Marveaux are out.

Predictions

Home win for the Wanderers. 2-1 (we always concede) with Ngog getting the first.