Bolton v Man City preview

Trotters desperate for points against City

By James Pearson   Last updated: 21st March 2008

Gary Megson Blackburn v Bolton

Megson: Desperate for points

PREDICTIONS:


Skysports.com predicts:
Bolton 1 Man City 1


SKY BET odds:
Bolton 6/4 Draw 11/5 Man. City 6/4


One to Watch:
Benjani


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Bolton Wanderers can ill-afford to drop any more points when they tackle Manchester City at The Reebok.

Gary Megson's side have lost their last five Premier League outings since winning at Reading, form that has seen them slip to third bottom in the table.

Last Sunday's six-pointer against Wigan ended in a 1-0 defeat and more disappointment this weekend could leave them with a mountain to climb.

City are not in much better form themselves, but ended a three-game winless run last weekend after coming from behind to beat Carling Cup winners Spurs.

Sven Goran Eriksson's side are unbeaten in three against Bolton, although The Trotters won their previous four meetings against their Lancashire rivals.

Double boost

Key duo Kevin Nolan and Gary Cahill could both return for Bolton against City after sitting out their 2-0 midweek defeat to leaders Manchester United.

Midfielder and skipper Nolan is suffering from a persistent back injury while centre-back Cahill is still nursing a bruised foot suffered against The Latics.

Gavin McCann is another doubt for Wanderers after sustaining a calf injury at Old Trafford, and Megson rates the defensive midfielder's chances as 50/50.

Goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen is almost certainly out for the rest of the campaign with a back problem, so Ali Al Habsi is set to continue to deputise between the sticks.

Striker fit

Manchester City expect former Portsmouth striker Benjani to be fit for their trip to the Premier League strugglers.

The Zimbabwe international has been troubled by a minor hamstring problem this week but he should be able to train today as normal.

Bulgaria international forward Martin Petrov returns from suspension but experienced German midfielder Dietmar Hamann is still missing as he completes his two-match ban.

Captain Richard Dunne is fine to play on despite a recent shin wound but follow defenders Michael Ball and Micah Richards (both knee) remain on the sidelines.