Source: Team_Talk
Megson relishing return to action
The Trotters spent Christmas in the bottom three of the Premier League, after Monday's match at Wigan was postponed due to severe icy conditions around the DW Stadium which were considered dangerous for spectators.[LNB]Boxing Day opponents Burnley are apparently facing similar problems at Turf Moor, where they have hired a JCB to help clear away the snow and ice as Britain continues to suffer in the grip of the big freeze.[LNB]However, Megson believes Burnley have had ample time this week to prepare, and he has no doubt the game will be played.[LNB]"We want to play Burnley, and Burnley will want to play us, I can guarantee that," insisted Megson.[LNB]"Nobody's given it (a postponement) any thought, but then nor did we with the game against Wigan.[LNB]"When we got together in the morning, there was no inclination the game wouldn't go ahead.[LNB]"We just got a call saying they were having problems outside the ground with the ice, and when we saw it, it was obvious the game couldn't go ahead.[LNB]"It was too dangerous for the spectators to be going through that, and everybody accepted it with good grace."[LNB]Looking ahead to the short trip, Megson said: "I can't see any reason why, in this day and age, if you've got six days to prepare for a game that it doesn't go ahead."[LNB]Megson then joked: "There's the odd conspiracy theory going about Burnley have one or two injuries and therefore the hose pipe will be turned on over the pitch.[LNB]"I think that used to happen donkey's years ago, but it doesn't happen now, certainly not in the Premier League."[LNB]Burnley are four places better off than Bolton in the table, thanks mainly to their impressive home form which has bagged them 18 of their 19 points so far.[LNB]Megson is aware his players will have to be at their best if they are to inflict only a second defeat on their opponents at Turf Moor.[LNB]"They've done remarkably well," he said. "The start of the season really set them up for that.[LNB]"They beat Everton and Manchester United, two greats results for them.[LNB]"The time I saw them, they suffered their only defeat at Turf Moor this season in losing to Wigan, but we know it's going to be a really tough game for us.[LNB]"One of the things they've got going for them is the atmosphere because it was incredible that day against Wigan, and they've still got that enthusiasm that a newly-promoted team carries with it at the beginning of the season.[LNB]"That transpires into some terrific home results and performances, and for players going into that atmosphere, it makes it difficult, but that's the task."[LNB]Bolton midfielder Fabrice Muamba will serve his one-game ban, having collected five bookings this season, so Chris Basham is likely to step in.[LNB][LNB]
