Bolton Wanderers-Stoke City Preview

LONDON (SE) - Bolton Wanderers' chances of Premier Leaguesurvival come down to the final afternoon when they visit theBritannia Stadium to play Stoke City on Sunday.

Bolton are 18th and two points off safety going into the last round of games, but with Queen's Park Rangers playing at title-chasing Manchester City, the Trotters know that win could well see them escape relegation.

"When all is said and done, we have to make sure that we have won our game," said manager Owen Coyle. "Whatever happens elsewhere is irrelevant unless we win.

"QPR fans might be thinking that Bolton can't win at Stoke, but we can win there. We have shown we can in previous years. All we can do is focus our energies and concentrate on the 90 minutes at the Britannia Stadium this Sunday.

"There is no doubt that it is the biggest game of the season for Bolton Wanderers, the ultimate 'must win'. It is as simple as that. Stoke are a quality side with outstanding players in all areas and they will be fired up to win their final home game, but we have to make sure that we are ready to play our part.

"Two seasons ago we went there three matches before the end of the season and won, and that was probably the game that kept us in the Barclays Premier League.

"We know what we must do - it's right there in front of us. We have to put all of our energy and quality into trying to win the three points. If you look at our team this season, you would think that we are better placed to go and win games rather than draw.

"There are only six more teams in the Premier League that have won more away games than Bolton Wanderers. As a result, we know we are capable of going to places and winning tough matches. There have been games already this season where people have tagged them as 'must win' and we have done.

"We know this is the last chance saloon and we have to be ready to capitalise on that. The lads are desperate to go out there and win the game for this magnificent club, its set of supporters and everybody involved with Bolton Wanderers."

Stoke are comfortably safe in mid-table, but defender Ryan Shawcross insists that they won't be making it easy for Bolton on Sunday.

"There's a lot on the game for us as well," insisted the centre-back. "We are professional footballers and we always want to win games. But we also want to equal our best points tally in the Premier League. However desperate they are for three points, we are even more so."

Stoke are expected to be missing Jermaine Pennant (hamstring), while Andy Wilkinson (hamstring), Salif Diao (knee) and Mamady Sidibe (knee) are out. Bolton are missing David Wheater (knee), Fabrice Muamba, Tyrone Mears (knee), Ricardo Gardner (thigh) and Stuart Holden (knee), while Mark Davies and Darren Pratley are doubtful due to illness.

Bolton beat Stoke 5-0 in the reverse fixture back in November, while the Potters go into this game with just one win in ten. Tony Pulis' side haven't kept a clean sheet in that run of games and have managed fewer shots, shots on target and goals than any other team in the top flight this season.