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English Premier League Preview: Manchester City v Bolton Wanderers [Sat Sep 17th, 2005]
Bolton's 131-year wait for European competition almost crumbled at the first stage as little-known Bulgarian outfit Lokomotiv Plovdiv took a 1-0 lead early on and despite Bolton's dominant possession, held on late into the game until Diouf's 72nd minute equaliser.
New signing Borgetti gave the 20,000 strong crowd at the Reebok Stadium something to cheer about when he poached an injury time winner for his first goal since his transfer from Pachuca.
BACKGROUND
Bolton manager Sam Allardyce was pleased to see all of his players come through unscathed and fit for the Manchester City fixture. With City's impressive start to the season, Big Sam will be looking at his squad of international stars to continue where they left off - Bolton were the last team to take full points off City at the Manchester stadium in a close 1-0 win, in what would be Kevin Keegan's last match in charge of the Sky Blues. Indeed, Bolton have proved they are no slouches on the road, being unbeaten in their last 5 away games.
Since Stuart Pearce has taken over, City has become a consistent and well-disciplined side, with displays typified by their resolute 1-1 draw at Old Trafford last week. A match-fit Sylvain Distin should only bolster City's structured defence. With their second local derby in as many weeks, "Psycho" will be looking at his backline, anchored by 'keeper David James to extend their unbeaten streak to 14. A far cry from the attack-orientated system of King Kev's.
Legendary City keeper Bert Trautmann will be in attendance as he is in-country promoting his biography and will no doubt be keenly observing his contemporary. With David James' demotion in the England pecking order, the longer that City keep up their unbeaten streak, the better are James' chances of climbing above Robert Green and Chris Kirkland.
CURRENT FORM:
Manchester City (Premiership only, oldest result first): DWWWD
Bolton Wanderers (Premiership only, oldest result first): DLWWD
TEAM NEWS:
Manchester City: Pearce is expected to name an unchanged line-up from the Manchester United fixture.
Bolton Wanderers: Gary Speed should return after missing the UEFA Cupmatch with a slight injury. Jared Borgetti has played four games off the bench, with the midweek exertions and his debut goal, will Big Sam finally start the talented Mexican international?
WATCH OUT FOR:
Claudio Reyna:
Captain America has been in exceptional form and will look to orchestrate another 3 points from midfield with his well-timed passes.
El-Hadj Diouf: The former Liverpool striker has brought a more consistent form to his game this season, and his diving equaliser against Lokomotiv was a testament to his newfound dedication. Look for another strong showing from the Senegalese international.
PROBABLE STARTING XIs:
Manchester City: James, Mills, Dunne, Distin(c), Thatcher, Sinclair, Reyna, Barton, Musampa, Vassell, Cole
Bolton Wanderers: Jaakskelainen, Hunt, N'Gotty, Jaidi, Gardner, Campo, Giannakopoulos, Okocha, Speed, Davies, Diouf
Lucas Ng
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