Barclays Premier League
Venue: Reebok Stadium Date: Tuesday, 29 December Kick-off: 2000 GMT
Coverage: BBC Sport website, BBC Radio 5 Live, local radio & full match commentary on 5 Live sports extra
TEAM NEWS
**Bolton are boosted by the return of Fabrice Muamba after he missed the draw with Burnley through suspension.**However, fellow midfielder Gavin McCann is again likely to miss out as he continues to recover from the ankle injury he sustained earlier this month.
Seyi Olofinjana is available for Hull, having been allowed to delay his departure to the Africa Cup of Nations.
Geovanni and Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink are doubtful with knee and shoulder injuries respectively.
MATCH PREVIEW
Bolton manager Gary Megson has been encouraged by his side’s efforts in recent weeks, having quietly put together a three-match unbeaten run. Even though they remain in the relegation zone, he is convinced that they have turned the corner.
606: DEBATE
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Megson acknowledged the Boxing Day draw at Burnley could prove to be a point gained come the end of the season, despite throwing away a 1-0 lead. With games coming thick and fast at this time of year, he has also praised the fighting qualities of his small squad, which has had 25 hours more recovery time than Hull for this game.
Bolton will always be a home from home for Hull boss Phil Brown. He spent the best part of 15 years with the club as a player, coach and assistant manager, and was part of the staff when the club moved from Burnden Park to the Reebok Stadium in 1997.
It was Hull’s point at Bolton in the penultimate game of last season that effectively secured the Tigers’ Premier League survival. That 1-1 draw at the Reebok Stadium proved to be the difference between Hull and Newcastle, as both lost their final league game.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
• Hull are looking for their first Premier League double of the season, having beaten Bolton 1-0 at the KC Stadium in August when Kamil Ghilas scored the only goal of the game.
• Hull’s last win at Bolton was a 2-1 success in March 1935. They are winless in 17 trips since that day.
Bolton
• Bolton are the only side not to have kept a clean sheet in the Premier League this season. It is now 19 games since another top-flight side failed to score against them, when Sunderland drew 0-0 in May.
• The Trotters have conceded four goals in the opening five minutes of Premier League matches this season.
• Gary Megson’s side have picked up only one point from eight games in which they have conceded the opening goal.
Hull
• Hull are winless in five matches, earning just two points. They have failed to score from open play in that time.
• They are yet to win away this season but have gained draws at both Manchester City and Wolves.
• Hull have the most porous defence in the division, conceding 40 goals in 19 matches.
MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Phil Dowd
Assistant referees: Shaun Procter-Green & David Coote
Fourth official: Howard Webb
MOST RECENT MEETING
Hull 1-0 Bolton (22 August 2009)
Hull scorer: Ghilas 61