Bolton will be looking to bounce back from Monday night's devastating home defeat against Leeds with a victory over the struggling Hammers which would relaunch Bolton's season and increase confidence ahead of a tough Festive period.

Bolton will still be without Jamaican winger Ricardo Gardner who may be out of action for another few weeks and veteran defender Mike Whitlow may also be missing. However, striker Michael Ricketts may return after a groin strain kept him out of the Leeds game. Ricketts stated earlier this week that he's desperate to end his ten month goalscoring drought and also dispelled rumours of a rift with manager Sam Allardyce. Midfielder Paul Warhurst may also miss out as he isn't match fit following yet another injury. England Under 21 midfielder Kevin Nolan should return to the squad and is expected to have a place on the bench at least after he served his one match suspension in Monday night's game.

Allardyce may stick by his occasionally controversial 5-3-2 formation although due to the injury to Gardner he may revert to a traditional 4-4-2.

This is a hugely vital game...COME ON YOU WHITES!

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