City take on Bolton at Eastlands in the Barclays Premier League tomorrow looking to build on last weekend's victory over Chelsea.

That win ended a run of seven straight draws in the league for Mark Hughes' men and got their bid for a top-four finish back on track.

City have conceded 18 goals in their opening 14 league games - including 10 in seven at home, more than any other side in the top 13 - but Lescott feels the back five are now working as one.

"You have to take things on a game-by-game basis and I'm feeling really confident and getting a better understanding with Kolo (Toure), Shay Given, Wayne Bridge and Micah Richards each week," the former Everton man said on City's official website.

"It was always going to take time to gel.

"Obviously the back four can't operate as individuals - you have to work together as a unit and we've started to do that now."

Bolton go into the game second from bottom of the standings and have taken only one point from the last 15 available.

And boss Gary Megson expects a tough game against City.

"They are strong at the moment and I expect them to get even stronger," he said on the club's official website.

Burnley manager Owen Coyle has spoken of his admiration for Fulham counterpart Roy Hodgson as the clubs prepare to meet at Turf Moor.

The Cottagers are only four points off the top four in eighth place.

Coyle said: "Roy Hodgson is doing a magnificent job and has some quality players to call on. He is a fine example for all aspiring managers like myself."

Burnley have lost only once at home in the league this season, but Coyle added a note of caution.

"While we are delighted every time we step out at Turf Moor, we will need to play to our maximum to beat Fulham," he said.

Defender Stephen Caldwell is available again after suspension, as is on-loan striker David Nugent, who sat out the defeat by his parent club Portsmouth.

Pompey recorded a much-needed 2-0 win last time out and could move off the foot of the table with another success.

The south coast side, who yesterday issued a strongly-worded statement denying rumours they are planning to go into administration, travel to injury-hit Sunderland.

The Black Cats could be without eight key men for the clash, with Phil Bardsley and Kieran Richardson suspended while Craig Gordon, Anton Ferdinand, John Mensah, Lee Cattermole, Bolo Zenden and George McCartney are all injured.

Boss Steve Bruce has challenged his fringe players, including 18-year-old youth team striker Ryan Noble, to step up to the plate.

He said: "My experience with this, when you are up against it, somebody comes from nowhere and stakes a claim.

"I know he is not a defensive player but young Noble is doing extremely well.

"He got his 32nd goal of the season the other night - he scored a hat-trick the other night and scored a hat-trick in the reserves the week before, so who knows? It may be his turn."

Also tomorrow, league leaders Chelsea will look to get back to winning ways at home to Everton.

Manchester United host Aston Villa in the late kick-off, aiming to take advantage of any more slip-ups by Carlo Ancelotti's men.

Tottenham will look to bounce back from the disappointment of letting slip a two-goal lead and missing a late penalty to draw with Everton when they face Wolves, Hull are at home to Blackburn, West Ham travel to in-form Birmingham and Stoke take on Wigan.