Bolton Preview - Three Points Vital

A trip to Bolton after a run of 5 League games without a win is certainly not ideal. But Arséne Wenger’s men will have to win at the Reebok if they want to keep up with their fading title ambitions.

Let’s great straight into the team news. There is still no Rosicky for Arsenal, he and Bacary Sagna are the only injuries not forgetting long term absentee Eduardo. Emmanuel Adebayor is going to be rested for the Bolton game, Le Boss said that Ade will be on the bench to give him a well earned breather.

Wenger told Arsenal.com.

“I believe he has given a lot this year and so he would need a little breather, maybe,” said the manager. “He has played a lot on his own up front and has had to fight very hard. So at the moment, to refresh him a bit would do him some good.

Onto Bolton, Gary Megson’s side are on a poor run of form and if they’re not careful, they could be on the verge of being relegated at the end of the season.

Kevin Nolan is suspended, Ricardo Gardner has a rib injury and their star keeper’ Jussi Jaaskelainen is out through back injury. Furthermore, Bolton’s position in the league is 3rd from bottom, something needs to improve from Megson’s side and a win against Arsenal might be just the boost they’ve been looking for.

Here are our predicted line up’s:

Arsenal:

Bolton:

Manager’s Views:

Arséne Wenger:

“We will be tested in the air because a team which has a lack of confidence takes less risks.

“We want to play our game, which is why I am convinced it will be down to our football - but also our mental strength and our resilience on the day.

“Bolton are a good side and I have seen quality games from them, but the Premier League is so good now that once you drop your confidence you are quickly vulnerable.

“We just have to expect them to be as they were before, to prepare mentally for that kind of game and then hopefully we will have a good surprise.”

Gary Megson:

“We’re wounded mentally and physically at the moment but it doesn’t matter.

“We are where we are and we have to try to cope with it.

“The teams that we have played against; one or two things have gone for them. I don’t particularly like to moan and groan because it looks like you’re making excuses.

“But I don’t think those things are happening for us.”

My Prediction: Bolton 1-1 Arsenal- Arsenal to struggle for the full 90 minutes, low morale and not many goals from Adebayor, I can’t see a win at the Reebok.

What do you think, will it be a straightforward victory, or will Bolton continue to be Arsenal’s ‘bogey’ side?

Leave A Comment Below…

Unfolding the realms of Adebayor

Picture Exclusive to Gunners Live!

Article By Chris and Shrineel

The start to Arsenal’s Premier League Season unfolded with surprises that even the wildest dreamers couldn’t have dreamt, not the most positive pundits could have expected. One man was needed, to stand out like the old ‘King Henry’. Surely, the ones that would get the plaudits would be RvP and Cesc?No, it was the Togolese striker in Emmanuel Adebayor that would stand out.

As the season unravelled and he immediately started for The Gunners making a positive impact on the team,with Cesc and Van Persie.

Van Persie was in brilliant form but his goals were just a sideshow. Once van Persie got his ’seasonal’ injury, Ade became the main man. Becoming the ‘main man’ might have been a thing to fear, but not for Adebayor. He stood up to the challenge by scoring vital goals throughout the course of season. From that thundering volley against Spurs to a simple but important tap in at Milan.

His goals have stood out but a question arises that his game is only about scoring? He will never be a versatile player, but he can change channels during a match between his strike partner and holds up the ball superbly. The big man has stepped into Henry’s boots by defying age, odds as well as relying on sheer hard work ethic.

Ade’s team mates have been the main reason why he has bloomed and he accepts it and yet forgets the fact that scoring goals is the most important quality for a footballer. Comparing him with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Fernando Torres requires immaculate talent and sheer passion for goals. He has shown passion, commitment as well as class to compete.

Adebayor is a changed player from last season, and once he gets back on the score-sheet again, all us Gooners will be back to appreciating the Big Man’s goals and teamwork this season.