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Bolton Wanderers v Blackburn Rovers: Line-up predictions

It's a day after Christmas derby, and Dennis picks his starting XI before Neil Lennon picks the real starting XI. You know, just to help the manager out...

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Bryn Lennon/Getty Images

Every club has injury concerns at this time of year, and Bolton Wanderers are no different.  Mark Davies and Marc Tierney are long-term absentees, as is Max Clayton.  Cardiff City loanees Joe Mason and Kevin McNaughton have both been struggling for fitness the past several weeks.  And, perhaps most importantly, Craig Davies is trying to get over a hamstring problem.

Th big target man has a late fitness test before this match versus Blackburn Rovers, and all Bolton supporters are very hopeful.  It is just a different side when he is on the pitch.  Unfortunately, I suspect Friday's match will come too soon for the powerful forward.  I expect to see him return for Sunday's match at Huddersfield Town.

So what will the starting XI look like without Davies.  Here is my prediction:

Andy Lonergan

Josh Vela Matt Mills Dorian Dervite Tim Ream

Neil Danns Chung-Yong Lee Darren Pratley

Liam Feeney Eidur Gudjohnsen Rob Hall

Neil Lennon does not change things up without a good reason.  Unless Davies passes his fitness test (in which case, he comes in for Hall), I think we will see more-or-less the same side that has kept four straight clean sheets.  I can't see them keeping a fifth, but I can see a home win; 2-1 to Bolton.