Wanderers welcome back Simon Charlton and Youri Djorkaeff to the squad after both spent the last week receiving treatment. Kevin Nolan is expected to continue in the forward role which earned him a goal last time out in the 1-1 draw with Aston Villa whilst Brazilian striker Mario Jardel could get a start after his goal against Sunderland reserves in midweek. Ibrahim Ba returned to fitness in that game but is expected not to feature for manager Sam Allardyce who will celebrate four years in charge on Sunday as well as his 49th birthday.
Anthony Barness is added to the squad having recovered from a hamstring injury but it is expected that the full back will have to battle it out for a place amongst the substitutes.
City have a doubt over Trevor Sinclair for the derby clash against the Trotters after the former England player suffered a dead leg in the clubs UEFA cup tie over Belgian side Lokeren. Claudio Reyna, Joey Barton, Antonie Sibierski and Eyal Berkovic are all battling to replace Sinclair should he miss out. Blues boss Kevin Keegan must decide between Paulo Wanchope and Robbie Fowler to partner Nicholas Anelka up front.
Last seasons fixtures against City proved to be a lucky omen for whichever side was at home. In the final tie between the two sides at Maine Road a year ago City won 2-0 thanks to goals from Steve Howey and Eyal Berkovic whilst the tie at the Reebok Stadium in April was won 2-0 by Bolton with Henrik Pedersen and Ivan Campo getting the goals. Local derbies can go either way as last season proved, City will be hoping their European exploits won't have effected them too much whilst the Wanderers will be looking to put in a similar performance to the one against Aston Villa two weeks ago.
PLAYED FOR BOTH
PETER BARNES
PETER BEARDSLEY
DAVID CROSS
TONY CUNNINGHAM
WYN DAVIES
ANDY DIBBLE
MIKE DOYLE
ASA HARTFORD
COLIN HENDRY
TONY HENRY
FREDDIE HILL
ALAN KERNAGHAN
BRIAN KIDD
FRANCIS LEE
STUART LEE
BILLY MCADAMS
NEIL MCNAB
ANDY MAY
JAMIE POLLOCK
PETER REID
PAUL RITCHIE
MARK SEAGRAVES
BARRY SIDDALL
NICKY SUMMERBEE
GERRY TAGGART
MIKE WALSH
TOMMY WRIGHT
OTHER CONNECTIONS
PHIL NEAL
BERT SPROSTON