If you’d asked me three weeks ago if I saw any light at the end of Bolton’s very dismal tunnel, it would have a resounding “No”. Although the light remains just a glimmer, I now think Bolton will live to fight another season.

They may not produce particularly pretty football but in recent weeks especially, Bolton have looked at the matter in hand and got the job done. Two wins and a draw from their last three saw them leap free of that dreaded third relegation spot. Maintain this form and survival looks set. One slip up however could quite easily cost them their Premiership lives.

Just a one point gap

Bolton may be in their best form of the season but the job is far from over. With Fulham coming back from the brink last weekend and Reading and Birmingham both earning a point, Bolton could still get sucked in. They do have the luxury of a better goal difference than Reading but the Royals definitely have the easier run in - Tottenham this weekend, finishing the season away to Derby.

It wasn’t so long ago that Sunderland too were relegation potentials. However, they continued to keep their heads just above the water line, pulling a winning streak of three - victories over Villa, West Ham and Fulham - out of the bag just at the right time. The Black Cats are now comfortable in 13th following that thrilling win in the North East derby with Middlesbrough.

Weak in Defence

Sunderland may be sitting the prettier of the two but they certainly do not boast the better defensive record. Both with a bleak goal difference of -20, Sunderland have failed to keep a clean sheet in their past five games. That’s good news for the Trotters who aren’t exactly renowned for their goal scoring abilities!

Since the exit of Anelka on 11 January, Bolton have only scored 10 goals in the league with Nolan, McCann and Davies all with two apiece. In short, Bolton are without a natural goal scorer, or even anyone who can be classed as a semi-striker.

Head to Head

It’s pretty much all-square in the head to head stakes. Sunderland rounded off 2007 with a notable 3-1 victory over the Trotters and perhaps by doing so put the final nail in Anelka’s Bolton coffin. Prior to this, Bolton have had the upper hand with the Black Cats not having much luck at the Reebok; their last win here was almost seven years ago. Are times about to change?

Pundit’s Pick: Sitting on the fence time, I’m afraid (draw). Do you agree with this for your Premier 10 prediction? Play Now>>