Premier League preview: Fulham v Bolton

Just three points above the relegation zone, Fulham host last-placed Bolton Wanderers as Martin Jol tries to steer the Londoners to safety.

Fulham have often struggled this season in league fixtures following European games, and – after crashing out of the Europa League from a stoppage time goal in their 2-2 draw against Odense – Jol will refocus his side on the English Premier League as they try to take points off sides below them.

Goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer’s outstanding form has saved Fulham many points this season, but Jol will have to do without his star shot-stopper for the next six weeks after the Australian suffered a neck injury against Swansea last Saturday.

Philippines international Neil Etheridge, 21, was in goal for Wednesday’s Europa League tie, while loanee David Stockdale has been recalled from Ipswich to provide further cover.

Steve Sidwell and Danny Murphy are doubtful against Bolton, with both left out of Fulham’s Europa League squad. Sidwell is recovering from hernia operation and Murphy still nursing an ankle injury.

Chris Baird returned from injury against Odense and Marcel Gecov is likely to continue covering for Murphy in midfield.

Fulham might have won just once in seven matches in all competitions, but Jol will be pressing for all three points against a Bolton side which has lost four matches in a row.

Owen Coyle’s men are six points from Fulham’s 14th placing despite having the same number of wins – three.

Bolton have struggled to recapture their impressive form from last season, and a host of injuries to key players has not helped their cause.

Striker Ivan Klasnic is out with a knee injury, while Nigel Reo Coker, Ricardo Gardner and Stuart Holden are others on the casualty list.

But despite their injury toll, Bolton full-back Zat Knight is backing the side to recover some lost points before the end of the year, starting against Fulham on Saturday.

“It’s still tight and there are games coming up, but we have to stop saying we can win them and instead we have to go and get something,” Knight told Bolton’s official website.

“That would give us something to build on and some confidence, but first of all we have to fight. If we are resilient and hard to beat then there is every chance you can win games.”