Manchester Utd v. Bolton Wanderers - Match Preview
League Debut
By Chris O'Brien / David Hobbs
August 15 2003
The pre-season is done and dusted with, and the Premiership finally kicks off tomorrow. United start the defence of their crown with a Lancashire derby against Bolton Wanderers at Old Trafford. Tim Howard looks set to make his league debut, as the Reds take on the team dubbed their 'bogey' side.
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Manchester United
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The much anticipated wait is over, the long-winded
pre-season has finished, the dealings have been done on the transfer market,
and it's time for action - the Premiership returns tomorrow! United kick-off the defence of their Premiership crown with the Lancashire derby against Bolton Wanderers. Wanderers have earned the reputation of something of a 'bogey' side for United in recent years, as Sam It was only Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's last gasp equaliser that stopped Bolton winning their home game against United last season. The Bolton boss is not ruling out his side making it three in a row tomorrow, hoping luck will be on his side.Allardyce's men have come away from Old Trafford with all three points for the past two seasons. “Luck will be the key on Saturday, and if it is in our favour we can come away with something from the game. We can do it." said Allardyce. Bolton will be approaching this season with a certain amount of optimism. They survived a late West Ham revival last season, and many believe that if their squad can stay fit, they are capable of a respectable league place this season. For a club who were staring relegation in the face, there form towards the end of last season was impeccable, with two victories and three draws from their final five outings. United can also come into the game with optimism though, following a successful pre-season. The record was a little tarnished towards the end with defeats against Sporting Lisbon and Stoke City, but the superb tour of the States, which saw United brush aside Barcelona, Celtic, Juventus and Club America with outstanding performances, has seen the bookies install us as favourites for the title. Following his heroics in the Community Shield Final, and Barthez's lacklustre performance in the Stoke City friendly, Tim Howard looks set to make his league debut between the sticks. Sir Alex Ferguson does have several injury worries for the game, with the fitness of Gary Neville, Quinton Fortune, Phil Neville and Mikael Silvestre. all in serious doubt. New signings Kleberson, Eric Djemba-Djemba and Cristiano Ronaldo are all set for a place on the bench, and could be joined by fellow new-boy David Bellion, depending on the fitness of United's doubts. As for the visitors, Youri Djorkaeff is expected to start, despite being a major doubt during the week. The French playmaker may have to wear a mask during tomorrow's game after suffering a hairline fracture of the cheekbone. Brazilian striker Mario Jardel is unlikely to play a part in the game, as he still has to pass his medical after signing from Sporting Lisbon. If you fancy a flutter on tomorrow's game, then United's price of 1/4 is not really worth a gamble. The draw is priced at 4/1, with Bolton being outsiders at 15/2. |
| One to Watch - Jay Jay Okocha |
 Jay
Kay Okocha was recently linked with a move to Old Trafford, and is
undoubtedly one of the leagues most skilful players.The Nigerian international had a superb season last campaign, with his best moment being his wonder goal against West Ham, which effectively kept Wanderers in the Premiership. If the United defence gives Okocha a chance tomorrow, he's likely to take it! |
| ManUtdWeb Prediction - Stoke City 1-1 Manchester United |
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Expect some nervous moments
tomorrow, but I think United will escape with a 2-1 victory over our
Lancashire rivals. U-N-I-T-E-D |
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