Rejuvenated Bolton go in search of consecutives wins for the first time this season against a Newcastle side who are one defeat away from a full blow crisis.

Owen Coyle’s side gave themselves a major confidence boost ahead of their Boxing Day date with the Magpies after they came out on top against fellow strugglers Blackburn on Tuesday night. The Trotters’ fourth victory of the season was arguably their most important as they beat their North West rivals to move off the bottom of the table and give themselves a real chance of beating the drop. Supporters will be hoping that their side have finally turned a corner and can now string a positive run of results together after seeing their three previous ones followed by a succession of defeats. There were a number of positives from the win at Ewood Park with summer signing Nigel Reo-Coker putting in his best performance in a Wanderers shirt since his move from Aston Villa. Mark Davies has also emerged as a key player in recent weeks and Coyle will be expecting the duo to keep their form up going into the New Year.

Newcastle are also desperate for a win after seeing their strong start to the season unravel in the last month and a half. The Magpies haven’t recorded a victory in six games and with boss Alan Pardew seeing injuries and suspensions take their toll on his paper-thin squad. Defeat at home to West Brom on Wednesday night means the Geordies have taken just one point from their last three games against the Baggies, Swansea and Norwich. Despite still sitting seventh in the table after racking up 27 points there is massive room for improvement and Pardew will be expecting that at the Reebok Stadium. With 13-goal top scorer Demba Ba in the side Newcastle are always a threat but with their attack being proving to be frustratingly predictable in the last few games Pardew may opt to rejig his side in an effort to ensure his side are celebrating a win on Boxing Day.

Bolton 19th : 12 points

Team news: Summer signing David N’Gog could miss out after picking up a knock and joins eight other first team players in the treatment room.

Key Player: Mark Davies

The young midfielder has become a key player for the Trotters in recent weeks and it was goal and all round performance at Blackburn on Tuesday that provided a base for victory. He’ll be expected to be the playmaker once again against Newcastle.

Newcastle 7th : 27 points

Team news: Davide Santon misses the trip to the Reebok after limping off against West Brom with a knee injury. Yohan Cabaye will return though after completing his one match suspension whilst Mike Williamson could also start.

Key Player: Demba Ba

There will be a host of Premier League clubs ruing the day they passed over the chance to sign the Senegal forward. Ba has been a revelation since his free transfer move from West Ham and his two stunning goals on Wednesday took him to 13 for the season. He’ll be a massive miss for Newcastle when he leaves for the African Nations Cup in January.

PREDICTION

Bolton will bet full of confidence after their win against Blackburn but are still not safe yet but they have a good home record against Newcstle. The Magpies are determined to halt their slide and know defeat at the Reebok Stadium will see them go from blip to crisis mode. However with Demba Ba up front they will be favourites for this one.

Score: 1-2

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