Monday, January 19, 2009

BOLTON WANDERERS VS MANCHESTER UNITED : PREVIEW

BOLTON WANDERERS VS MANCHESTER UNITED : PREVIEW

Centre-back Gary Cahill could return from a three-match absence for thevisit of Manchester United in the Barclays Premier League.

The 23-year-old is almost fully recovered from a hip injury and thatwill be a welcome boost for manager Gary Megson, whose side have lostfive of the last six league matches.

Right-back Gretar Steinsson returns from suspension but captain KevinNolan is still banned, while midfielder Gavin McCann (broken toe) andstriker Johan Elmander (hamstring) are missing after sustaininginjuries at Arsenal last week.

Zenit St Petersburg defender Sebastien Puygrenier, signed on loan lastweek, is included in the squad after his international clearance camethrough.

Megson is wary of the threat posed by a Manchester United side who will arrive at the Reebok Stadium with a score to settle.

A 29-year run without a home win against United was ended last seasonwith a 1-0 victory courtesy of Nicolas Anelka's goal on November 242007.

It was also Megson's first victory since taking over the previous month, with the club struggling at the bottom of the table.

The Bolton boss knows the defeat was a source of great frustration toSir Alex Ferguson - and that, combined with the fact the Red Devilshave the chance to go top of the Barclays Premier League with a win,means Bolton are likely to face a fired-up United.

"It was a good result for us last year,'' said Megson.

"Every player wants to play against them but, more importantly, wants to be in a team that beats them.

"We are no different, and that is what we are looking to do again. Butour result against them last year will make it harder for us.

"Someone told me Sir Alex said his two disappointments last year were losing at our place and somewhere else.''

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