Bolton Wanderers v Sunderland,
Barclays Premier League,
Saturday 15 August,
Reebok Stadium, 3pm Kick-Off
After an absence of nearly three months, the greatest league in the world returns on Saturday afternoon, and first up for Wanderers is an attractive home fixture against Sunderland.
It has been a summer of change at the Stadium of Light with a number of new arrivals, most notably that of Steve Bruce as manager. When Ricky Sbragia stood down from the hot-seat at the end of last season after securing the Black Cats' future in the top-flight for another year, the former Manchester United defender was the only real candidate for the role. Bruce signed a three-year deal when Sunderland and Wigan agreed terms for his release, and he is now set to embark on his seventh managerial job.
With new managers come new ideas, and one area Bruce immediately looked to address was Sunderland's striking department. In came Fraizer Campbell and Darren Bent for a combined fee believed to be in the region of £19m, while Lee Cattermole was reunited with his former Wigan boss only a couple of days ago after joining for £6m. These purchases are an obvious statement of intent by Sunderland's board who will certainly be looking to improve on last season's 16th placed finish.
Wanderers meanwhile will be targeting a repeat from 12 months ago where a 3-1 defeat of Stoke City put Gary Megson's men top of the table after the first day of fixtures. Indeed, Bolton have enjoyed good fortune on the opening weekend of the season over the last five years, winning three, drawing one and losing just the solitary game.
Regarding team news, all of Bolton's summer recruits could be line to make their competitive debuts, but it remains to be seen whether Gavin McCann and Andy O'Brien will be fit to take their place in the squad after missing the final friendly of pre-season last weekend against Hibernian.
For Sunderland, goalkeeper Craig Gordon is out with a knee problem, so Martin Fulop starts the season as first choice. Nyron Nosworthy should be involved despite dislocating a finger in last Saturday's 1-1 friendly draw at Hearts. There could be late checks on midfielder Andy Reid (thigh) and right-back Phil Bardsley (ankle).
Tickets are still available for the match. Click here to buy online or phone the Ticket and Membership Office on 0844 871 2932.
Remember, the FanZone is open for this game from 12:00pm with live coverage of Chelsea v Hull City on the big screens.
If you can't make it to the match on Saturday afternoon, then Wanderers Player will be supplying full live commentary, with the broadcast starting at 2.30pm. Click here for more information on how to subscribe to the club's official online channel.
