Preview: Five talking points ahead of Sunderland v Bolton Wanderers

As Wanderers travel to Sunderland on Tuesday night looking to maintain their recent unbeaten run, bwfc.co.uk highlights five talking points ahead of the Whites' Sky Bet Championship clash with the Black Cats.

1. Unbeaten run

Wanderers head into Tuesday night's game unbeaten from their last three outings after picking up maximum points against Sheffield Wednesday before seeing late goals deny them victories against both Queens Park Rangers and Fulham.

However, with Phil Parkinson's men slowly narrowly the gap between themselves and the teams outside the Sky Bet Championship relegation zone, the Whites will be confident heading into their clash with fellow strugglers, Sunderland.

Facing a side yet to win at home in 2017, a victory for Bolton would see them leapfrog Simon Grayson's side off the foot of the second tier table.

And while the Trotters have not won on the road at this level since April 2015, could that all be about to change on Tuesday night? Only time will tell.

2. Former Black Cats

Both Ben Alnwick and Will Buckley could line up against their former employers on Tuesday having enjoyed stints with Sunderland earlier in their career.

Now established as Wanderers' first choice goalkeeper, Alnwick started his career at Sunderland as he made 22 appearances in three years at the Stadium of Light before moving on to Tottenham Hotspur.

Buckley meanwhile, made 24 appearances in three seasons with the Black Cats as a lack of first team opportunities saw him spend time out on loan with Leeds United, Birmingham City and Sheffield Wednesday.

Both players will be eager to prove a point and come out on top against their old club if selected on Tuesday night.

3. North East boys

As well as Ben Alnwick and Will Buckley returning to their former home, a clash with the Wearsiders could also provide an interesting night for the Whites' former Newcastle United and Middlesbrough players.

Andrew Taylor and David Wheater both came through the ranks at the Riverside Stadium, while Sammy Ameobi and Adam Armstrong both learned their trade at St James' Park - the latter currently enjoying a half-season loan stint with Bolton from the Magpies.

While injury may rule Taylor out, the remaining trio are likely to encounter a lively welcome with footballing rivalries fierce in the North East.

With Alnwick and Gary Madine also returning to their roots, the North East contingent are set to be backed by a large following of friends and family on Tuesday night.

And with all hungry to silence the Sunderland crowd for various reasons, there are plenty of sub-plots to keep your eye on at the Stadium of Light.

4. Injury news

Andrew Taylor is expected to miss Tuesday's trip to Sunderland after limping off against Fulham at the weekend, with Antonee Robinson on standby to replace the experience full-back.

Elsewhere, Filipe Morais and Adam Le Fondre are both doubtful after picking up knocks, with manager Phil Parkinson confirming young striker Connor Hall has been included in the Trotters' travelling party as they look to combat another Saturday-Tuesday turnaround.

5. Pay on the day

Tickets will be available to purchase on the night at the Stadium of Light.

Available on a cash only basis from turnstile number 71 at the visitors' entrances, there will be no increase in prices.

Supporters can collect pre-booked tickets or duplicates from Sunderland's ticket office, which is a separate building adjacent to the stadium at the top of the green car park and is open right up until kick off at 7.45pm.

Advance tickets remain on sale directly from Bolton Central or via the phonelines (0844 871 2932 (option 2 then option 1)) until midday on the day of the game with prices as follows;

Prices

Adults: £25

Over-65s: £19

Under-22s: £16

Under-16s: £10

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