Tottenham v Bolton preview

Megson's men battling for Premier League survival

By Rob Parrish   Last updated: 25th April 2008

Grzegorz Rasiak Bolton Premier League

Rasiak: White Hart Lane return

Bolton's brave battle to beat the drop in the Premier League sees them travel to Tottenham looking for a third consecutive victory.

Back-to-back wins against West Ham and Middlesbrough have lifted Gary Megson's side out of the bottom three and they now have their fate in their own hands.

But with Saturday's trip to White Hart Lane followed by a home meeting with Sunderland and then a clash with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on the final day of the season, their run-in will prove a real test.

The Trotters are just one point above third from bottom Birmingham, and are only ahead of Reading by virtue of their superior goal difference, so there is no margin for error.

Spurs' season has been slowly fizzling out ever since they lifted the Carling Cup at the end of February to secure a place in next season's Uefa Cup.

Since that triumph over Chelsea at Wembley, Juande Ramos' side have crashed out of Europe on penalties against PSV Eindhoven and have failed to secure back-to-back victories in the Premier League.

Their last three matches have all ended as 1-1 draws, but Spurs have scored more goals at home than any other side in the Premier League, tallying 45 in 17 fixtures.

Team news

Bolton striker Kevin Davies serves the second game of his two-match ban, but remains a doubt for a remainder of the season after breaking his hand.

Grzegorz Rasiak sustained a cut eye in the victory over Boro at the Riverside, but is expected to be fit to tackle his former club.

Midfielder Joey O'Brien is available again after three weeks out with a hamstring injury, but may have to settle for a place on the bench.

Spurs goalkeeper Paul Robinson will be hoping to return after proving his fitness in training following an ankle problem.

Jonathan Woodgate (ankle) and Pascal Chimbonda (calf) could feature but Ledley King (knee), Gareth Bale (foot) and Benoit Assou-Ekotto are out for the season.

TeamTottenham HotspurBolton Wanderers
Games Played3535
Goal Attempts  
Goals6432
Ave Goals per game1.830.91
Shots (excl blocked shots)383322
% Shots on Target47%45%
% Goals to Shots17%10%
Passing  
Short Passes11,8239,050
Long Passes2,2642,023
Overall Pass Completion %77%68%
Crossing  
Total Crosses890860
Cross Completion %22%24%
Defending  
Goals Conceded5852
Ave goals conceded per game1.661.49
Tackles890822
Tackles Won %75%77%
Blocks, Clearances & Interceptions25262608
Discipline  
Fouls383518
Yellow Cards4969
Red Cards10