There comes a time almost every season for sides exceeding pre- campaign expectations to experience a reality check. With the inconsistent nature of the majority of the title contending teams, however, this year has presented a major opportunity for an unheralded club to really compete with the biggest sides.
Bolton were excellent in beating Blackburn last time out having spent a large proportion of the second half with only 10 men. The team spirit developed by Owen Coyle has become very evident at the Reebok, and this will surely be tested by a Sunderland side with arguably one of the strongest forward lines in the league.
Steve Bruce will be missing a number of key players defensively. With Titus Bramble still out and Anton Ferdinand struggling, the Trotters may well return to their tactics under previous managers and put physical pressure on makeshift centre-half Nedum Onuoha. How he handles Kevin Davies will be key.
Prediction: 1-2
[poll ]
Bolton are 10/1 to win 2-1
