Bolton Wanderers vs Arsenal preview

After skipper William Gallas’ late strike earned them a point in Kiev, Arsene Wenger’s men travel to the Reebok Stadium to play against Bolton Wanderers in a weekend Premiership clash.

Arsenal were the better team in Kiev, but looked to be coming out of the Ukranian capital with nothing to show for their efforts with minutes left on the clock when Gallas scored that crucial goal. And while the long trip to Kiev might have left the Gunners tired, they will start favourites against a Bolton side who have simply struggled to get going this season. Arsenal cruised past Newcastle 3-0 and Blackburn 4-0 in their last two Premiership games in comparison to the Trotters, who have found the back of the net just once in their last three outings. Against Kiev, Arsenal made just one change to the team that beat Blackburn Rovers, bringing in Alexandre Song for Emmanuel Eboue. Should Wenger want to give Adebayor or Van Persie rest upfront, we could see Nicklas Bendtner and/or Carlos Vela start. Diaby, Rosicky and Eduardo continue to remain long term absentees. Silvestre is still struggling for fitness, while the status of Samir Nasri’s knee remains unclear.

Bolton have been a bit of a ”bother” team for Arsenal in recent times, especially at the Reebok. However if they play the same way they did against Fulham, then they are not going to pose much of a threat to the Gunners. Bolton had three players in midfield, but Fulham’s Danny Murphy and Jimmy Bullard simply dominated them. The Trotters were outplayed in every department and let Fulham run circles around them. One reason for Bolton being so goal shy in their recent games is their inability to create chances, and Megson would have let his players know that. We could see Johan Elmander back in action, for the former Toulouse hitman has started training. Ricaro Vaz Te impressed for the Reserves against Newcastle, and he will be an option for Megson to use should Elmander be unavailable.

Bolton have Manchester United away after hosting Arsenal. Should they be decimated by Arsenal, Megson will come under greater pressure. Arsenal should win this by two or three goals, with Fabregas, Walcott and Adebayor likely scorers.