Bolton face Fulham at the Reebok with Owen Coyle’s team in much need of a win.
‘We have sharpened up and you have to be on your toes.’
Ex Fulham man and defensive blunt instrument Zat Knight says the right things.
Goal poacher Ivan Klasnic is out. Johan Elmander leads the scramble to replace him, with home fans hoping he’s on the boil.
The Korean is adapting well to the English game, even attempting his first dive last weekend.
Roy Hodgson has major injury worries.
Andy Johnson, Paul Konchesky, Clint Dempsey and John Pantsil are long-term casualties. Zoltan Gera and Simon Davies are doubtful.
Not the most gifted of players, but effective on his better days. Zat Knight will need to be true to his word.
Bolton’s recent record against Fulham isn’t good. They’ve won just three of the last eight home games against them.
Last season’s 3-1 defeat to the Cottagers was a sad indication of what a poor team Bolton had become (and of how much Fulham had progressed.)
There’s a better spirit around the Reebok since Coyle’s appointment and this game will give an indication of the new manager’s influence.
A win for the Wanderers is the fingers crossed prediction.
Man City (A)