Bolton host Wigan in battle to avoid relegation
LONDON (SE) - The Premier League relegation fight focuses on the Reebok Stadium this Saturday when Bolton Wanderers host Wigan Athletic in a meeting between two of the division's bottom three.
In the relegation zone with just 20 points from the opening 24 games, Bolton are in trouble and just four points clear of Saturday's visitors Wigan at the foot of the table. However, manager Owen Coyle believes that the club's easing injury crisis will give them the boost that they need to push up the table.
"We all know the injury list we have had and the quality within that injury list - we had probably five players who would be guaranteed to start in our team missing at the start of the season," said Coyle. "Bit by bit we are getting one or two back. We still don't have Stuart Holden (knee) or Lee Chung-yong (broken leg), but we are getting one or two back, we have brought in some fresh faces in January - some young, exciting players - and when you add that to the mix, there is real competition for places.
"Now players know they are going to have to be at their very best, because if they are not, and it might only be for one game, then there is room for manoeuvre in terms of making changes."
At the foot of the Premier League club and a full five points from safety, Wigan will know that defeat on Saturday is likely to leave them stranded, but manager Roberto Martinez is hoping that the impact of star striker Hugo Rodallega will boost the club for the run-in.
"Hugo is ready now," said Martinez. "He had a bit of a soft tissue problem that he picked up against Man City and we had to look after that. Now everyone is available and wants to play (and) Hugo is no different - he is desperate to be on the pitch to help the team.
"Remember, every footballer is a human being. It is normal that you get distracted by all the speculation. We have seen that time after time and I am sure we are going to see it in the future. Now I am delighted the window is closed and we are all really focused.
"Hugo has been nothing but a great professional, bringing great standards on a daily basis. In the last two years we have seen what he has done on the football pitch and we need Hugo at 100%. We need him enjoying his football. Since the transfer deadline, in many ways, we have found a new player and we need to enjoy Hugo's quality until the end of the season."
Bolton have Lee and Holden still out, but Gretar Steinsson (hamstring) and Joe Riley (groin) could return. Franco Di Santo (knock), Chris Kirkland (back) and Shaun Maloney (calf) are all doubtful for Wigan.
Bolton have taken five points from their last three at home, more than in all nine of their previous home matches. No club in the Premier League have picked up fewer points away from home than Wigan, and the Latics have failed to keep a clean sheet in 11 straight games on the road - since the 0-0 on the opening weekend of the season. Ali Al Habsi has saved four penalties this season - a league high.
