Prem, Kick-off: 15: 00
On the opening day of last season, Bolton Wanderers dispatched Stoke City with incredible ease, but the fortunes of the two sides have headed in opposite directions ever since.
The Potters arrive at the Reebok Stadium expected by many to win after a strong start to the new campaign. There have certainly been no signs of 'second season syndrome' at the Britannia Stadium as Tony Pulis' side have rocketed to eighth in the Premier League table.
Stoke's fans will travel up the M6 with their umbrellas at the ready, as clouds are steadily gathering over the Reebok Stadium and they are tainted by negativity.
But unpopular Trotters managers Gary Megson will hope for a silver lining on a hit-and-miss start to the season after finally watching his team beat Portsmouth at Fratton Park on Saturday.
Following an impressive effort against Liverpool, the Trotters showed signs of rediscovering the winning mentality which has so often been their saving grace in the Premier League by seeing off Pompey.
But they do still lie in the bottom three and will view the visit of Stoke as an opportunity to pick up maximum points.
Wanderers are likely to be without star winger Ricardo Gardner for another fortnight. The Jamaican has been sidelined for the whole season so far with a hamstring injury and is recovering more slowly than expected.
Stoke are facing an anxious wait on two key players who suffered knocks in their last-gasp defeat to Chelsea on Saturday.
Top front-man James Beattie twisted his ankle in the match, while goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen hurt his back and had to be substituted.
Reserve glove-bearer Steve Simonsen may be called on to step in for the Dane, while Dave Kitson will be vying a starting place if Beattie does not recover in time.
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