Last Updated: Tue, 09 Feb 2010 11:00
Patrick Vieira, Joleon Lescott and Roque Santa Cruz are set to feature in Manchester City's clash with Bolton at Eastlands on Tuesday.
Veteran midfielder Vieira impressed on his debut as a substitute in the 2-1 defeat at Hull on Saturday and he could be promoted to the starting XI by City boss Roberto Mancini. Adam Johnson also shone on his introduction to the action at the KC Stadium but he is likely to remain on the bench.
Lescott could also be on the bench after returning to training and completing 45 minutes of a training match, while Santa Cruz has recovered from a calf strain.
Craig Bellamy is out as he is set to meet with a specialist in London to get a check-up on a long-standing knee problem, while Vincent Kompany is still struggling with a groin problem and Micah Richards is doubtful because of a calf injury. Therefore Dedryck Boyata should continue in defence as
Mancini eyes maximum points to boost his side's bid for a top-four finish.
He said: "I'm confident when I recover all the players we can win this week at home and then win away (at Stoke on Tuesday).
"We must remember we have two games in hand and if we win them we go fourth. We have a good chance if we win this game.
"When we recover all our players I don't think it's a problem."