BOLTON striker Kevin Davies is determined to ease the pressure on under-fire boss Gary Megson with a derby win over City on Sunday.

Megson was verbally abused at Tottenham and the Wanderers faithful vented their frustration once more after Maroaune Fellaini's 90th-minute winner gave Everton a 1-0 win at the Reebok on Wednesday.

That left Bolton second-bottom and Davies admits they have a battle on their hands to drag themselves out of danger.

"We've not won enough games, it's as simple as that really," he said. "We're in a difficult position but it's up to us to put it right and it's going to be a test of everyone's character.

"A lot of the lads were down afterwards, and it's up to myself and the other senior players to lift them.

"We've got to roll our sleeves up, forget about this one and get on with Sunday now, and we're all working hard to put it right."

Megson's men are still searching for their first home win since the opening day and have now gone three games without a goal.

Victory over the big-spending Blues will boost spirits around the Reebok and Davies has called for a united front after Wanderers were booed off against Everton.

"It was understandable," Davies added.

"But we're all in it together and the fans need to get behind us and try to push us on.

"We need everyone on board because we know it's going to be a difficult game on Sunday.

"City are a good side and have spent a lot of money, but we're at home and hopefully the fans can get right behind us and egg us on."

Megson also expected a backlash after Everton snatched an undeserved victory.

"When that happens there's a knee-jerk reaction," he said. "Everybody's bitterly upset with the result but you can't tell pros they've played badly when they haven't, and vice versa.

"In my view, we played as well as we have done this season in possession, we just didn't score.

"We're now second from bottom and we need the supporters behind us on Sunday."

Gavin McCann comes back in for Bolton after a one match suspension.

Meanwhile, Pablo Zabaleta is expected to return from suspension for City.

The Argentina defender has served a three-match ban following his dismissal against Liverpool and should return at right-back as manager Mark Hughes looks for a stronger defensive performance.

Hughes is hopeful £18million striker Jo will be available after a bout of tonsillitis, although Daniel Sturridge (ankle) is likely to miss out.

Bolton Wanderers (from): Jaaskelainen, Steinsson, Cahill, Shittu, A O’Brien, Samuel, Gardner, Muamba, Nolan, McCann, J O’Brien, Smolarek, Elmander, Davies, Helguson, Riga, Hunt, Cohen, Fojut, Al Habsi.

Manchester City (from): Hart, Schmeichel, Zabaleta, Onuoha, Richards, Dunne, Ben Haim, Garrido, Wright-Phillips, Ireland, Kompany, Elano, Robinho, Jo, Fernandes, Hamann, Evans, Caicedo, Berti.

Bolton league form: LWDLL

Wigan league form: LLDWL

Key opponent: Robinho - Brazilian will be dangerous on the break

Prediction: Bolton 1 City 2 - With Bolton at home City should be able to take advantage of the counter attack

Agree with the prediction? Have your say.

You can get 13/2 on Bolton winning 1-0 with Betfred. For this and more odds, click here.

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