No bigger game this weekend. Local derby, Champions League places up for grabs, Millionaires v Paupers (see yesterday). First on MOTD?
Vital Quotes:
‘Through all that, the way he conducts himself, he is a terrific role model and ambassador for Manchester City and they are led by a fantastic man.’ It took him until yesterday, rather than Thursday, but St Owen finally bigs up Citeh’s Italian manager.
‘It was frustrating, but not because I didn`t play. I understand, because they are buying big stars now for so much money. Every time I played on the pitch I showed that I have a place in this team, but okay, the decision is the manager`s. But the worst thing is that the communication in this club with the players who do not play is not professional. I am 31-years-old and I felt like I was 13 there. Nobody spoke with me about my situation, they knew that my contract was finishing.’ Martin Petrov’s words on joining Bolton in July. As he hasn’t said anything since, you’d think his opinion hasn’t changed.
‘Bolton are improving and have a good manager. I think they may have surprised a few people. It will be a hard game for us.’ Yeah, damn right Bobby.
Manchester City Team News:
From the BBC, Yaya Toure has taken a couple of paracetomol, so is available after a migraine. Otherwise it’s pretty much the twenty man five squad who are worth the equivalent of the national debt.
Player to watch: Carlos Tevez
…and not just because he’s been in my fantasy league team since the beginning of the season. Nine goals is one more than our own on form striker and he has the pugnacity to take a hold of the game and not let go. Funnily enough, he also looks like a pug, which might have something to do with it.
Bolton Wanderers Team News:
Stuart Holden is being given until just before kick off to prove his fitness, otherwise Mark Davies will retain his place. Martin Petrov is angling for a start against his former club, but expect Matty Taylor to retain his place.
Player to watch: Fabrice Muamba
It is the battle for midfield that will be the most telling this afternoon and the central midfielder will have his work cut out, especially if you look at their midfield and forward line last weekend at Stoke:
Milner, Barry, Silva, De Jong, Tevez, Balotelli, Jo, Johnson.
On second thoughts, can’t they postpone the game. It’s bloody cold y’know.
Match Facts & Stats
You’re joking, we’re only 41-42 down in the league. Against a big team? That’s barking. However, at Maine Road/Eastlands it’s 13-31.
In the Premier League it’s 6-8, with Citeh holding a 3-6 lead at Maine Road/Eastlands.
T’Trotters leading scorer in the fixture are, as usual, Joe Smith and Sir Nat, who both have nineteen goals in the fixture. In the Premier League, Bolton’s leading scorer is Kevin Nolan with four.
Ref Watch:
It’s Andre Marriner, who we have had once this season, the win at West Ham, where he booked, for no particular reason, SuperKev, Elmander, Robinson and Steinsson.
Match Prediction:
2-0 to Bolton as Xmas is coming and I need it to come in at 50-1 otherwise its turkey slices.
Next Fixtures:
Big Sam brings his Blackburn side, including El Hadji Diouf will spit on you, to T’Reebok next Sunday for the live TV game.