Bolton v. Manchester United - Match Preview

By Chris O'Brien
January 6 2004

Manchester United return to league action with a visit to the Reebok Stadium on Wednesday night. The Red Devils, without defender Rio Ferdinand who has a virus, will face a tough test against the hardworking side Sam Allardyce has moulded at Bolton.

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Bolton Wanderers v. Manchester United - Match Preview

Manchester United face a difficult trip to the Reebok Stadium to take on Lancashire Rivals Bolton Wanderers, who have already taken points off fellow title challengers Arsenal and Chelsea this season. Sam Allardyce, a man I and many other British football fans have great respect for, has put together a side with bulldog spirit who will give any side a tough game. Their impressive league placing of 12th reflects how far he has brought the club forward.

Sir Alex Ferguson has one major doubt for the game. As ManUtdWeb earlier reported, defender Rio Ferdinand looks set to miss the derby through a flu virus that also saw him ruled out of Sunday's Cup tie against Aston Villa. The United boss has some better news though, with Phillip Neville once again available for selection for the match-day squad following some problems with his ankle.

Bolton have proved something of a 'bogey' side for the Champions of the season, and Ferguson's respect for the team is clear as he looks set to bring back both Roy Keane and Ruud Van Nistelrooy to the starting line-up. The introduction of the two heroes during Sunday's F.A Cup clash changed the game with United coming from behind to win the game following the substitution which saw both Keane and Van Nistelrooy come on together.

As for the visitors, Javi Moreno is expected to make his senior debut for Wanderers if he can get international clearance to play for the club in time. Allardyce will definitely be without long-term injury victim Florent Laville, and is sweating over the fitness of Mario Kardel who is struggling with hamstring worries.

Bolton have already accumulated 23 points from the first half of the season, well over half way to the traditional '40 point' safety margin that is normally set by most clubs who expect to struggle. However, with so many clubs in the frame for a place in the red this season, the number of points needed to stay up could be sufficiently more than that this season. Still, their ambitious manager is confident he can lead the hardworking outfit to a top half finish.

An interesting statistic about this fixture is that Bolton Wanderers are the only football side to have played in the Football League that have beaten United more times than United have beaten them.

The main in the middle for tomorrow's game will be Dermot Gallagher of Banbury. With his track record, expect some abuse thrown at the man in the middle from at least one set of supporters!

One to Watch - Jay-Jay Okocha
Not exactly a surprising choice, but Bolton playmaker Jay-Jay Okocha has been one of the Premierships top performers this season. His work with the forwards is instrumental, and he is a player who can care out chances from the slightest of opportunities. With the United defence lacking a couple of its regulars, Okocha could prove lethal for the whites on Wednesday night.

ManUtdWeb Prediction - Bolton Wanderers 0-1 Manchester United
United are likely to face a tough game tomorrow night, and I'm normally a complete pessimist. However, with the return of Keane to boss the midfield and Van Nistelrooy to terrify the Bolton defence, you would hope United would be able to do enough for three fantastic away points. We're due at least a draw though, following seven consecutive victories!

Enjoy the Game.

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