Newcastle v. Bolton Wanderers

We’re going streaking! Well, not really. Damn. This match at Newcastle is full of streaks, however. After that awful mid-season slump, Bolton have won 4 of 5 in all competitions and are unbeaten in 5 of 6. All of those matches without a loss were accompanied by a clean sheet courtesy of Jussi Jaaskelainen in the Premier League and Adam Bogdan in the FA Cup. In the least three Premier League matches, Daniel Sturridge has put the ball of the back of the net while Ivan Klasnic did the same twice last week in the FA Cup.

Newcastle look to be a resurgent side as well, having picked up two draws and a win in their last three matches with 4 of those points on the road and the other draw being that frankly brilliant comeback against Arsenal. St. James Park has not been the fortress lately that fans of the Toon have been accustomed to. The Magpies have only won one of their last four matches at home but still manage to sit just a point behind the Wanderers in the table.

A win at Newcastle with a Sunderland loss to Everton away (which Newcastle fans would be thrilled with) could see Bolton climb the table to seventh place.

Newcastle will have both Steven and Ryan Taylor available to them as both are back from injury but are likely to be without Peter Lovenkrands who has injured his thigh. The Bolton back line looks to be strengthened a bit as well as Gretar Steinsson could make his return this week. Jlloyd Samuel is just weeks away from his return but this match comes just a little too soon. The Wanderers’ injury crisis looks to be coming to an end, now they just have to worry about Super Kevin Davies and Johan Elmander scoring goals again.