Arsenal v Bolton Wanderers - Match preview

20 January 2010 14:15
Arsenal and Bolton Wanderers will renew rivalries at the Emirates Stadium just three days after they last locked horns.

Carling Cup commitments and the big freeze are to blame for the quirk in the fixture list which sees the two clubs face off twice in quick succession.

Arsenal were 2-0 winners in Sunday's first encounter at the Reebok Stadium which ruined the homecoming of new Bolton boss Owen Coyle.

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Goals from the returning Cesc Fabregas and substitute Fran Merida kept the Gunners in hot pursuit of Chelsea and Manchester United at the top of the table as Arsene Wenger's side ground out another hard-fought victory.

Should the north London club win Wednesday's second encounter by two goals or more then they will leapfrog United and Chelsea to move to the top of the table.

Changes in personnel are likely to be at a premium for the Gunners as Arsene Wenger is still missing several key players through injury.

Theo Walcott (rib), Kieran Gibbs (foot), Jack Wilshere (hamstring) and Denilson (rib) are still missing alongside long-term absentees Robin van Persie (ankle) and Nicklas Bendtner (groin).

However, fit-again left-back Gael Clichy could return to the starting line-up in place of Armand Traore after shaking off a back problem.

Coyle's selection is likely to be less straightforward after he resisted the temptation to make sweeping changes for his first game at the helm.

On Sunday he named the same 11 that had surrendered a two-goal lead to Hull City in predecessor Gary Megson's last game in charge, but he may be tempted to try fresh faces on Wednesday night.

The only absentees for the Trotters are knee injury victims Sean Davis and Joey O'Brien plus Danny Shittu, who is at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Coyle will also be hoping to rid Bolton of an unwanted club record of never having won at Arsenal in the Premier League era.

Source: DSG