Match Preview - Bolton (h)

[Jourdan]

Tomorrow’s crunch encounter sees Derby face Sammy Lee’s Bolton, who sit in 19th place – one place above the Rams. If 18th placed Tottenham fail to win and 17th placed Fulham lose this weekend, a win for either side would move them out of the dreaded relegation zone.

Last Time At Pride Park

Derby 1-0 Bolton (2001/02)

Recent History

Former boss Sam Allardyce guided Wanderers to the Premier League with play-off success in 2000/01, defeating Lancashire rivals Preston North End in the final.

2007/08 marks the club’s 7th consecutive season in the top flight and a new era for the club under the management of Sammy Lee after Allardyce left the club towards the end of the 2006/07 season.

Allardyce attracted several high profile players to the club in recent years, including Champions League winner Ivan Campo, Nigerian midfield maestro Jay Jay Okocha and former Real Madrid defender Fernando Hierro. Now in charge of Newcastle, Big Sam also led Bolton to UEFA Cup qualification in 2004/05 and a League Cup final in 2003/04.

After finishing 7th in 2006/07, they embark on another season of UEFA Cup football in 2007/08.

Summer Signings

Sammy Lee has been very active in the transfer market during the close season, bringing no less than 10 players through the Reebok Stadium entrance doors.

Former Aston Villa players Gavin McCann and Jlloyd Samuel arrived at the club in July. Proceeding this was the signing of central defender Gerald Cid from Bordeaux and the Bolton boss would recruit more defenders later in the summer, as he tempted Andy O’Brien to leave fellow Premier League side Portsmouth.

But Little Sam further strengthened his attacking options by signing striker Heidar Helguson from Fulham, highly promising midfielder Blerim Dzemali from FC Zurich and winger Daniel Braaten from Rosenborg.

Lee has also used the loan market to his advantage, luring Swedish international Christian Wilheimsson to the club on a season long loan. Two more midfielders joined on loan – Danny Guthrie from Liverpool and Mikel Alonso from Real Sociedad.

Form

The Trotters have suffered a nightmare start to their Premier League campaign. They were humbled at home losing 3-1 to Sam Allardyce’s Newcastle on the opening day. This was followed by consecutive away day defeats as they lost 2-1 to Fulham and 3-1 to Portsmouth. They broke the run of losses with an emphatic 3-0 home win over Reading. But they failed to build on this as they succumbed to 2 straight defeats, as they lost 2-1 to Everton at the Reebok and 1-0 to Birmingham at St Andrews. They have halted another losing streak, drawing a UEFA Cup tie against FK Rabotnicki (1-1) and a home league fixture against Tottenham (1-1) before winning their Carling Cup tie away to Fulham 2-1 after extra time.

Predicted Line Ups

Derby – Bywater, Mears, Leacock , Davis, Griffin, Teale, Oakley, Pearson, Lewis, Miller, Howard

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

Ones to Watch

Nicolas Anelka – Bolton’s record signing has been in encouraging form despite his side’s struggles. The French international has bagged 4 goals in 8 appearances in all competitions. The 28-year-old former Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City striker will be looking to haul his team away from trouble with his goals and will be hoping to fire Wanderers to victory tomorrow.

Kevin Nolan – Trotters captain Nolan has become the heartbeat of his side’s midfield, since making his breakthrough in 2000. Renowned for being a goal-scoring and workaholic central midfielder, the 25 year old will be looking to score his first of the season tomorrow.

Jussi Jaaskelainen – The experienced Finn has been the cornerstone of the Bolton side for many years. The goalkeeper is into his 10th season at the Reebok and has grown from strength to strength during his time at the club. He has developed a reputation as one of the best keepers in the Premier League and will have to be on form tomorrow to help his side avoid a potentially fatal defeat.

Key Battles

Anelka vs Davis – Jamaican centre back Claude Davis will be given the assignment of keeping Bolton’s star striker Nicolas Anelka quiet.

Howard vs Meite – Steve Howard will have to get the better of the imposing Abdoulaye Faye if he is to produce an effective display for the hosts.

Campo vs Oakley – Wily midfielder Ivan Campo will most likely be trusted with the responsibility of pegging back Derby captain Matt Oakley, who has proved to be influential in attack time and time again for the Rams.

Pearson vs Nolan – The two teams’ most athletic and energetic midfielders will collide in what will be an engrossing contest in the middle of the park.

Odds (courtesy of Ladbrokes.com on 28/9/2007)

Derby to win – 5/4
Draw – 11/5
Bolton to win – 7/4

Virtual Betting

All four bets placed are in favour of a Derby win at odds of 6/4.

Jourdan predicts…1-0