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Just as fans start to lose confidence in their side, Bolton travel to Old Trafford to face champions Manchester United. Wanderers lost 1-0 to a ten-man Wigan side last time out, their fourth league defeat in a row, prompting boos from the majority of their away support. Manager Gary Megson could have done without this re-arranged match, but go into the game desperate for points as they currently lie in 18th position. Nicolas Anelka scored the solitary goal to give Bolton a 1-0 victory the last time these two sides met, but the Frenchman has since moved to Chelsea and Megson's side have struggled for goals since. With Jussi Jaaskelainen ruled out for the rest of the season, Ali Al-Habsi will continue in goal for Bolton, with Ian Walker to make a rare appearance on the bench. Late fitness tests will be handed to Kevin Nolan and Gary Cahill, who both picked up knocks against Wigan. Nolan picked up a back injury against Liverpool earlier in the month but after being passed fit to play at the JJB, he aggravated the injury and may miss out at Old Trafford. Cahill sustained a bruised foot at Wigan following a tackle from Jason Koumas, which resulted in the Latics midfielder being shown a red card. Abdoulaye Meite will take his place should he fail to recover in time. A fresh injury doubt for Bolton is Tamir Cohen. The Israeli looks certain to miss the game through concussion after a clash of heads in Sunday's game. Gavin McCann may take his place in midfield. Manchester United have injury problems of their own going into the game, with first choice goalkeeper Edwin Van Der Sar missing through a groin injury. Second choice keeper Tomasz Kuszczak is back from a one-game suspension, but Ben Foster is expected to continue in goal after an impressive debut against Derby at the weekend. Rio Ferdinand is expected to return to partner Nemanja Vidic in defence after he missed the Derby game, while Michael Carrick may start after being on the bench for the same game. Despite having a strong side to chose from, Ferguson may opt to rest some of his star names with one eye on the home game with Liverpool at the weekend. Squads: Manchester United: from: Foster, Kuszczak, Brown, Vidic, Ferdinand, Evra, Ronaldo, Carrick, Fletcher, Hargreaves, Nani, Rooney, Tevez, Scholes, Giggs, O'Shea, Saha, Anderson, Park, Pique, Heaton. Bolton Wanderers: from: Al Habsi, Nolan, Davies, Taylor, Diouf, Gardner, Campo, A O'Brien, McCann, Steinsson, Hunt, Samuel, Meite, Cahill, Giannakopoulos, Helguson, J O'Brien, Rasiak, Cohen, Walker. Referee: Alan Wiley Burnden Aces prediction: 3-0 |
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