Bolton face West Ham in a crucial encounter for both teams. The Wanderers need the points to ensure European qualification and the Hammers must win to have any chance of avoiding relegation. With five wins in the past seven games, the home team are in better form, whilst the visitors have won only four league games in 2007 and have a new manager who`s two feet shorter than his predecessor.
Vital Quotes: Sammy Lee
‘The two remaining games are massive. It is important we finish off in the right way and qualify for Europe. That is what we deserve.
‘We need to keep things on an even keel. What has happened this week was a shock to everyone.
‘This group of players are determined to get the points needed for Europe.
‘Certainly their response in training has been excellent. Their attitude and professionalism has to be admired.’
West Ham Team News:
Lucas Neill is a doubt with an ankle injury (he dropped his wallet on it) and £165,000 a minute defender Matthew Upson is out for ever – but says he will stay with the club.
Player to watch: Carlos Tevez
Hideously deformed dwarf he may be, but the boy can play and his work rate has endeared him to Irons fans. Descending shirtless into the crowd after scoring against Spurs may have been taking the mutual adoration too far, however. It must have been like being confronted by a giant pasty on legs.
Bolton Team News:
Stelios, Kevin Nolan and Abdoulaye Faye face late fitness tests. Nicky Hunt, El Hadji Diouf and Tal Ben Haim are out. Apart from that things are just great.
Player to watch: Andranik
Or Teimourian the Iraninan as commentators insist on referring to him. An energetic box-to-box midfielder with a habit of getting on the score sheet. Shouts of ‘we want our sailors back’ will not be tolerated.
Match Facts & Stats
Bolton go for their second successive Premiership double over West Ham. They won the reverse fixture 4-0 without ever getting out of second gear. The only West Ham related bit of quality came as their fans did a conga around the South stand.
Ref Watch:
Mile Riley – a rotten official who`ll do his best to ensure a scrappy game.
Next Fixtures:
Aston Villa (H)