It’s a bottom table clash as Bolton Wanderers welcome Middlesbrough to the Reebok Stadium for their Premier League clash this weekend. Both teams are languishing near the relegation zone and unless things turn around drastically in the next few matches, these teams could be involved on an ugly relegation battle come May.

Bolton have opted to sack Sammy Lee and bring in Gary Megson. It is an acid test for Megson who is charged with taking Bolton away from the relegation zone. His task is complicated thanks to a spate of injuries that have hit the side.

Hunt suffered a dislocated shoulder during the Premier League match against West Ham United and could be out for almost six weeks, while Nicolas Anelka and O'Brien are being monitored on a day-to-day basis with undisclosed injuries. Wilhelmsson is out indefinitely with an ankle sprain, while El-Hadji Diouf has an ankle problem. Ricardo Vaz Te is missing with an injured foot.

Megson will also have to contend with the fatigue factor as Bolton feature in the UEFA Cup on Thursday against Bayern. Bolton are 19th on the Premier League table with 7 points from 12 games.

Middlesbrough are also in the same position as Bolton albeit they occupy a couple of spots higher in the Premiership table. Middlesbrough managed to come away with a draw against Tottenham in their last match thanks to a fine goal from Luke Young.

Manager Gareth Southgate' though has multiple injury concerns as Jonathan Woodgate is ruled out with a hamstring problem, while Julio Arca is out for six weeks with damaged knee ligaments. Southgate is also unsure if striker Jeremie Aliadiere will be available because he has had recurring hamstring issues.

Middlesbrough are 16th on the Premier League table with 9 points from 12 games. Last season this fixture ended in a 0-0 draw.

Watch Bolton v Middlesbrough Live on free-football.tv.