Malbranque returns for Black Cats
Sunderland boss Steve Bruce welcomed Steed Malbranque back into the fold for tonight’s crucial Barclays Premier League clash with Bolton.
The Frenchman, who was back in contention after being left out for the goalless draw against Fulham following a breach of discipline, replaced the injured Kieran Richardson as the Black Cats attempted to end a run of 14 league games without a win.
That was the only change to the starting line-up as fellow midfielder Lee Cattermole passed a late fitness test.
Bolton boss Owen Coyle also made a single change, with Ricardo Gardner replacing the suspended Tamir Cohen.
The visitors went into the game looking to secure three successive league victories for the first time since December 2006 and having dragged themselves into 13th place, with the Black Cats slipping to 16th as a result of Wigan’s victory over Liverpool last night.
Sunderland: Gordon, Ferdinand, Turner, Mensah, Hutton, Malbranque, Cana, Cattermole, Campbell, Jones, Bent.
Subs: Carson, Bardsley, McCartney, Zenden, Da Silva, Kilgallon, Mwaruwari.
Bolton: Jaaskelainen, Robinson, Ricketts, Knight, Steinsson, Gardner, Wilshere, Muamba, Lee, Kevin Davies, Elmander.
Subs: Al Habsi, Samuel, Taylor, Riga, Klasnic, Andrew O’Brien, Weiss.
Referee: Steve Bennett (Kent)
