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This Boxing Day Bolton Wanderers host local rivals Blackburn Rovers at Macron Stadium. Rovers are having a very solid season. After 22 matches they are eighth in the table, having taken 34 points. They have a plus three goal differential, with 34 scored and 31 allowed. Bolton have not been as successful, but things are really turning around under Neil Lennon, and the Trotters are unbeaten in seven matches, and have kept clean sheets in four straight. They have 26 points and a negative five goal difference, having scored 23 and allowed 28.
Bolton supporters will be happy to hear that Craig Davies has a chance of featuring in this encounter. The target man was in fine form before he suffered a hamstring injury, and no one else on Wanderer's books is capable of leading the line as well as he. Davies will be given a late fitness test on Friday, and we are all hopeful he can return. Eidur Gudjohnsen started in his place last time out. The Iceland international still has something to offer, but at age 36, playing the loan striker role is a bit beyond him. Conor Wilkinson is at the opposite end of his career, and also not yet able to fill Davies shoes. Emile Heskey is unlikely to receive clearance to play for this one.
Wanderers defender Alex Baptiste is on season-long loan at Blackburn, but he will not be allowed to participate in Friday's match. His likely replacement, Jason Lowe, is suffering from a foot injury, an that could leave Rovers vulnerable at the back.
The key to this match will be Chung-Yong Lee. It's likely to be a cagey affair, and the odd goal could be enough to take all three points. Lee is the player most capable of a moment of brilliance, and I believe he will provide it. What do you think?