Wanderers boss Sam Allardyce is waiting on fitness tests to four central defenders before naming his side for Saturday's relegation six-pointer against Middlesbrough.

Allardyce will be hoping the injuries to Gudni Bergsson (hamstring), Mike Whitlow (toe), Bruno N'Gotty (calf strain) and Djibril Diawara (ankle)have cleared enough for them to play, as fellow defenders

Colin Hendry and Paul Warhurst are definitely ruled out.

But it is better news for Bolton up front. German international Fredi Bobic looks set to start alongside Michael Ricketts, despite a good performance capped with a goal from Henrik Pederson at Stockport on Wednesday night. Rod Wallace is also in contention for a starting place.

Simon Charlton, Jussi Jaaskelainen and Per Frandsen who were all rested

during the 4-1 FA Cup win over Stockport should return.

Allardyce is under no illusions as to the importance of this clash, with a win vital to end Bolton's slump which has seen them winless since the middle of November.

But victory will secure the Reebok outfit their first double of the season and could lift them to mid-table.

Last season:Different divisions

Key opponent: Alen Boksic - Still possesses a keen goalscoring instinct, enabling him to capitalise on errors and create chances out of nothing. However, Bolton will be boosted by the knowledge that he's facing a late fitness test and may miss out.

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