Bolton game preview - "Clash of Cultures"

It's time for our troops to get the extra thick shin-pads out and prepare to dig in.

Tomorrows game will be a test of the back four I think. Bolton is known for punishing teams with set pieces and dropping balls into the box.
The central defense will probably consist of Neill and Upson and they must play a better game than against Fulham.

Something to look out for of is that our back 4 and the 3 midfielders (i presume) will be under so much pressure that their delivery will be poor thereby loosing possession too close to home, when our team is pushing forward (on the other hand, I always worry about this - but for a good reason).

However, if we get our passing game going and make the Bolton side fear our attack we have a good chance of dominating this game.
As a thinker at KUMB said "a decent start will go a long way...".

I doubt that there will be any changes in the starting lineup compared to the Fulham game. I haven't heard of any new injuries (now how about that!) and the other ones closing in on match fitness (Bellamy, Collins, Tomkins, Bowyer) won't get more than possibly a run out.

Bellamy looked really good when he came on against Fulham and he may be the one closest to a starting line comeback, but I think Zola will play Di Michele from start anyway for two reasons.

First, I think he wants to give the italian another chance to show what he's got and second, I doubt Bellamy is back to full fitness.

However, with fresh legs his pace will torment any side and if Bolton have a lot of possession late in the game, he will force them to keep more players close to home.

Now, if we are one down and they post 8 in the box his speed will be of little use.

I would prefer if Megson would play Elmander as a lone striker rather than giving him the chance to torment Ilunga from a right midfield spot. Ilunga will have a good test of his pace if this happens!

Whatever we do, we must not get a "we'll beat this inferior side anytime" attitude.

This will NOT be an easy game.
It took 60 minutes and a referee error for ManU to score (from the spot) and Zola seem to want to underline the importance not to underestimate Bolton considering his statements running up to this game.
There will be no easy games this season as Hull and Sunderland has showed Arsenal (with possible exception of ManUre at home).