A Game In Hand is Worth? Arsenal v Bolton; Match Preview
A Game In Hand is Worth 2nd Place
This is it! It’s here. The bloody match we’ve all been talking about. The one we’ve all been illuding to when there is a discussion about our position in the table and our position in the EPL title race. That’s right its time for the ever illusive game-in-hand to be played. It’s time for Bolton to come to the Emirates for their first EPL match up of the season.
I am not sure we can rehash the usual story that precedes matches recently – you know the one- a month ago we were out of the title race . . . We know that story. Well it’s a month later and despite all the obvious obstacles Arsenal find themselves right in the middle of the title race, securely in 3rd place and with a solid chance of moving into 2nd place and one point behind leaders Chelsea.
The Gunners face the Bolton Wanderers, a club in that is in turmoil. They are without a manager and will be led onto the pitch byassistant manager, Chris Evans and first team coach Steven Wigley.
Bolton when led by Big Same Allardyce were considered to be a bogey side for Arsenal. Either drawing them or forcing a long arduous battle for a point. Their last win however on Arsenal’s home turf was in 1994. As a matter of fact Bolton have only won 1 of their last 20 league matches in London. And to make matters worse this season they have only won once in their last 9 league matches.
These are not stats that put fear into the hearts of opponents. But if Leeds FA Cup win over Manchester United showed us anything, it showed us that no opponent should be underestimated.
The Gunners come into this match undefeated in their last 7 matches in all competitions. The squad that is beset with injuries and missing players scored 10 points in 3 matches and did not miss a beat in its holiday fixture set up.
Arsene Wenger has worked hard to keep his side focused on the task at hand. A win today leap frogs the team over Manchester United and places them in 2nd – 1 point behind Chelsea.
The early season scoring form has returned and once again many players are chipping in.But the one thing the last few matches has shown is the emergence of welsh wunder kid – Aaron Ramsey. In league matches and cup ties, the youngster is showing exactly why Arsene made such a stink out of signing the lad. While he does not yet possess the prowess of Cesc Fabregas, he is slowly placing his mark on the team.
He plays with a thought process in the game that is well beyond his years and experience. And he is not afraid of the tough stuff – something a lot of teams figure they can use to throw the team off its game. With Fabregas out for at least another week or so, Ramsey needs to become a dominant force in these next few mathes. We need to see that development continue. The game against Bolton offers him the chance to continue that development.
Also coming on lately is Eduardo. The crozillian with the soft ankle has managed to score in three matches in a row. While they have not all been beautiful, scoring leads to confidence and that is something Dudu has missed of late. Like Ramsey, Arsenal are going to need Eduardo to continue pushing this current form and he needs to become a central part of what the team do on the field.
Arsenal have worked hard to make the Emirates a fortress. Wth the exception of the loss to Chelsea, Arsenal have not lost at home. In the last three league matches at the Emirates, Arsenal have yet to concede a goal. With Bolton ruderless right now and in all sorts of disarray this an opponent that is ripe for the taking. And as you all know, I’ve said who cares what you do against the big four – its what you do against the lesser opposition that really counts. So far, Arsenal have done their job. They should do it again.
How It Should Play Out:
The real question is – will it play out. Bad weather has forced the cancellation of all the midweek Carling Cup fixtures. While the Emirates has a ground-heated pitch, roads and walkways around the stadium could be treacherous. With Bolton still reeling from the firing of Gary Megson and a permanant replacement yet to be found, the Wanderers are a team to take advantage of. I suspect we’ll see a match much like the most recent league matches, with Arsenal pressing and probbing until the right moment. Arsenal even with all their injuries will have two much quality for Bolton to handle.
Players to Watch:
Arsenal: Aaron Ramsey. With Cesc Fabregas out he has begun to show his worth. He has played solidly and plays years above his true age. Still prone to some mistakes he is quickly maturing and is likely the next big Arsenal star.
Bolton: Ivan Klasnic. Bolton’s leading scorer will need to step up big if the Wanderers are to pull out a draw or a shock defeat
Probable Starting XI’s:
Arsenal: Almunia, Gallas, Vermaelen, Sagna, Traore, Denilson, Ramsey, Diaby, Nasri, Arshavin, Eduardo
Bolton: Jaaskelainen, Cahill, Steinsson, Knight, Robinson, Taylor Muamba, Cohen, Lee, Davies, Klasnic
Injuries & Unavailable:
Arsenal: Bendtner (groin), Clichy (back), Djourou (knee), Fabregas (hamstring), Gibbs (foot), Song (Africa Cup of Nations), van Persie (ankle), Walcott (side strain)
Bolton: Davis (knee), O’Brien (knee), Riga (hamstring)
Match Officials:
Referre: Howard Webb
Assistant referees: Ceri Richards & Mike Mullarkey
Fourth Official: Kevin Friend
Recent League Form:
Arsenal: WWWDW
Bolton: DDWDL
Television Schedule:
US: Setanta/Setanta-i 2:45PM EST
UK: Sky Sports 1 1945BST
Online Feeds:
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GAMEDAY CHAT: Will Be Open www.youaremyarsenal.com/gamedaychat
YAMA Prediction:
Arsenal: 3
Bolton: 0
