Big Sam: Next two games are vital

Wanderer's entertain Leeds at the Reebok on Monday before travelling to Upton Park on Saturday December 21st and with all three teams struggling at the bottom of the table, both matches could have a crucial influence on the relegation battle.

"At the start of the season we would have expected to be playing two sides from the top half of the division. We would have seen anything we got out of either game as a bonus," said the Bolton boss.

"But instead Leeds and West Ham are in the bottom six and it is vital that we take points off them both and hopefully win at least once.

"We have been playing well lately but slipped up by conceding a late goal in each of the last two home games and collecting two points instead of six.

"So now we must take full advantage of their lack of confidence and our own good form."