Blake's goal bid

Blake, a £1.5m signing from Sheffield United just under a year ago, had a torrid time during Wanderers relegation from the Premiership, scoring just once.

But the Welsh international striker has bounced back this term with 11 goals to his name, although he hasn't scored in his last five appearances.

Bolton boss Colin Todd faces a selection headache of the best possible kind with Alan Thompson available again after a three-match suspension.

Danish international Per Frandsen, missing through a leg injury in the last two matches, is also looking likely to be fit to face a United side managed by Howard Kendall who has been linked with the vacancy at Blackburn Rovers. That would leave Todd with an abundance of midfielders with on-loan John Sheridan having proved well worth his place with some impressive displays and a couple of goals since arriving from Sheffield Wednesday.

The situation could be complicated still further if £1.5m ex-Middlesbrough starlet Jamie Pollock receives his international clearance following a transfer from Spanish club Osasuna last week.

"Sheffield United are a big club, and like us, they feel they should be in the Premiership," said Todd, "but we have consistently risen to the big occasion this season and a great game is in prospect."

Squad: Branagan, Phillips, Bergsson, Todd, Taggart, Fairclough, Johansen, Sellars, McGinlay, Blake, Sheridan, Taylor, Lee, Green, Frandsen, Thompson.

Kendall has a few injury problems to contend with as Roger Nilsen, who missed last weekend's draw at Port Vale because of a groin strain, has made good progress and could be available.

Chris Short suffered a deadleg against Vale but would have been fit to face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Tuesday night had the weather not intervened.

David White is back in full training but tonight's game has probably come too soon for him to return.

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