Bolton v Manchester United
Bolton
Bolton Wanderers lost their last league outing 1-0 away against Arsenal and have won just once in their last six games since their 4-1 away win against Sunderland.
This six game run has included five defeats, with defeat in each of their last three matches (with Bolton also failing to find the net in these matches), and has yielded just 3 points from the 18 available. They have scored 4 times and leaked 10 goals in the process, and have slipped to twelfth in the table.
The Trotters have been given clearance for loan signing Sebastien Puygrenier to play, following his move from Zenit St Petersburg. Gary Megson has ruled out the signing of Brazilian winger Denilson following his trial and the speculated move for Jamie Bullard, but there is a clear intention for further improvements, which is sure to add a mixture of excitement and motivation to existing players for forthcoming games.
Bolton captain Kevin Nolan will be unavailable as he serves the second of a two match suspension, but Greter Steinssen will return after a one match reprimand. Nicky Hunt will also be unavailable with a thigh injury, along with Gavin McCann (ankle) and Ricardo Vaz Te (knee), while Gary Cahill (back), Tamir Cohen (hamstring) and Joey O’Brien (thigh) have a chance of returning.
Manchester United
Manchester United won their last league outing 1-0 at home against Wigan Athletic and are undefeated in nine games since losing 2-1 away against Arsenal.
This nine game run has included seven wins, with four in their last four matches and yielded 23 points from the 27 on offer. Man Utd have scored 13 goals and conceded none to build nine straight clean sheets, as they have moved up to second in the league.
The Red Devils have taken a blow with Wayne Rooney suffering a hamstring injury in their midweek victory over Wigan ruling him out for at least three weeks. They will also have to do without Patrice Evra (foot), Owen Hargreaves (knee) and Rio Ferdinand (back), whilst Jonny Evans (foot) and Carlos Tevez (ankle) are both doubts, but Wes Brown (ankle) could return.
Prediction
Manchester United lost 1-0 to Bolton in this corresponding fixture last season, but have already beaten the Trotters 2-0 earlier this season Old Trafford. The reigning champions are in top-of-the-table form, whilst Bolton are on a terrible run.
With Bolton finding it particularly difficult to score recently, coupled with Manchester United seemingly impenetrable defense, it seems Bolton’s best chance will be to adopt an approach of avoiding defeat.
Despite the fact that this will be The Red Devils third game in 7 days, and that they have number of big players injured, Bolton could also have several players missing. Also, with the absence of Kevin Nolan likely to be a significant blow to Bolton, the league’s in-form team should be favourites for a testing away win.
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