Bolton Wanderers take on Sunderland tonight at the Macron Stadium in what is a massive game at the bottom of the Championship.

The hosts are currently outisde the relegation zone in 20th position, with the Black Cats second from bottom, however just four points separates the two sides.

The Trotters know that a win will put a fairly significant gap between them and Sunderland, whereas defeat drags them right back into the battle at the bottom.

With home advantage it's game that Bolton will expect to win and they face a Sunderland team that have just three wins from 16 games on the road this season.

There has been mixed news on the injury front for Phil Parkinson ahead of this one, with Josh Vela ruled out after he picked up an ankle injury on Saturday, whilst Mark Little begins his three-game ban.

Yet, the influential Darren Pratley is expected to return along with the experienced Aaron Wilbraham.

Here we look at the XI Parkinson should go with tonight...

Alnwick is the current first-choice keeper so will start again tonight, coming up against the side he began his career with.

The on-loan West Ham man has been in and out of the team in recent weeks but should keep his place despite the defeat against QPR on Saturday.

The powerful centre-back has played in the majority of games for Bolton this season and Parkinson will want a big performance from Wheater.

Beevers has been a regular in teh heart of the defence for the Trotters and has performed well on the whole during this campaign.

With Mark Little suspended, Parkinson has a choice between Morais and Flanagan to come in.

Given this is a game Bolton should look to control from the off and attack in, the former Bradford man should get the nod because he is better on the ball and going forward.

The Spaniard is a solid but unspectacular performer in the middle of the park but his physicality and strength could be needed in such a big game.

Similarly, this is a game that Henry will relish as it's sure to be a battle from the first minute and Parkinson will want a dominant showing from teh experienced enforcer.

This would be something of a risk as Pratley has been out since New Year's Day but he is highly influential in this team.

Vela's absence means there's even more importance on a midfielder breaking from deep so Pratley will have to be thrown straight in.

The on-loan Everton man brings pace down the flanks and will be encouraged to bomb on throughout the game.

Another loanee, Walker is another with pace and he will have to use it to stretch a poor Sunderland defence.

Ameobi is the star man at Bolton and capable of producing moments of magic and will start in a more central role than he has been used to over the years.

Thoughts, Bolton fans? Let us know in the comments below.