Match Preview - Bolton (a)

[Jourdan]

Derby head into their final game of the festive period against a Bolton side looking for their fourth successive win at home. Incidentally, the Reebok Stadium was the last away Premier League venue the Rams tasted victory at. A win today would provide a huge boost in their fight for survival as Paul Jewell’s side find themselves 10 points adrift of 17th placed Sunderland.

Last Time At The Reebok

Bolton 1-3 Derby (2001/02)

Recent History

After Sammy Lee’s departure earlier in the season, the unfancied Gary Megson has come in and guided his new side away from the relegation zone and into the last 32 of the UEFA Cup to silence the doubters who said his appointment was a backwards step for the club.

Impact of Summer Signings

With him arriving after the transfer window had shut, there has not been any transfer activity under Megson.

But of Sammy Lee’s signings, only experienced pair Gavin McCann and Andy O’Brien have held down a regular place in the side. Jlloyd Samuel has struggled to break into the side due to the consistency of Ricardo Gardner. The same can be said for Heidar Helguson who has been kept out of the side due to the irresistible form of French star Nicolas Anelka. Wingers Daniel Braaten and Christian Wilheimsson and defender Gerald Cid have been high profile bench-warmers, meanwhile loanees Danny Guthrie and Mikel Alonso have had differing fortunes. Guthrie has shown promise whilst making 17 appearances (15 starts) in all competitions meanwhile Alonso has struggled.

Form

Megson arrived at the Reebok in mid October and has seen his side go unbeaten at home in the league since with draws against Aston Villa and Middlesbrough, a surprise 1-0 victory over Manchester United, a 4-1 demolition of Wigan and a comfortable 3-0 win over Birmingham. Those 11 points have steered Wanderers out of the relegation zone but it is their away form that requires them to continue looking nervously over their shoulder. 1 point from their previous 6 games away from home tells its own story.

The Trotters have had mixed success in cup competitions – they reached the last 32 of the UEFA Cup after coming through the group stages alongside footballing giants Bayern Munich. A tie against Spanish side Athletico Madrid now awaits Megson’s men. But unfortunately they are no longer in the Carling Cup after losing at home to Manchester City in the round of the last 16.

Predicted Line Ups

Bolton – Jaaskelainen, Hunt, Meite, A O’Brien, Gardner, O’Brien, McCann, Nolan, Diouf, Davies, Anelka

Derby – Price, Mears, Davis, Moore, McEveley, Barnes, Oakley, Leacock, Feilhaber, Lewis, Miller

One to Watch

Nicolas Anelka – Bolton’s record signing has been in encouraging form despite his side’s struggles. The French international has bagged 11 goals in 21 appearances and such form has attracted interest from other Premier League sides. Title chasers Chelsea and Manchester United have both been linked with the ex-Arsenal player ahead of the transfer window opening.

Key Battles

Anelka vs Davis – Claude Davis will be given the assignment of keeping Bolton’s star striker Nicolas Anelka quiet – something the likes of Vidic, Ferdinand, Ridgewell and Bramble have all failed to do in recent visits to the Reebok.

Nolan vs Oakley – The two captains will go head-to-head in a pivotal midfield battle. Nolan is a key influence for Wanderers and it will be up to Oakley who has recently returned from injury to restrict him.

Meite vs Miller – Frighteningly large centre back Meite will have use all his strength and pace to contain livewire Kenny Miller. Full of running, Derby’s joint top scorer has consistently shown a great work ethic and an ability to frustrate defences since his arrival from Celtic in August.

Odds (courtesy of Ladbrokes.com on 2/1/2008)

Bolton to win – 8/15
Draw – 11/4
Derby to win - 6/1

Virtual Betting

4 bets have been made – 1 forum member is hoping for a Bolton win at odds of 1/2 , the draw at odds of 5/2 looks a good punt for one member and two members are certain Derby will claim their first Premier League away win in 11 attempts.

Jourdan predicts…1-1