West Ham v Bolton preview

Hammers host Trotters, live on Sky Sports 1

By Andrew Scurr   Last updated: 2nd November 2007

gary megson bolton manager

Megson: Chases first win

Skysports.com prediction: West Ham 2 Bolton 1
Player to watch: Luis Boa Morte
Sky Bet odds: West Ham 10/11 Draw 9/4 Bolton 5/2

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Gary Megson continues his quest for his first win as Bolton manager at West Ham on Sunday, live on Sky Sports 1.

Megson's reign is now two games old and he has yet to win over the Trotters faithful, although the former Leicester boss will argue he is unlucky not to have made a perfect start.

Key decisions have gone against them in games against Aston Villa and Manchester City, and Megson will be hoping their fortunes change at Upton Park.

Bolton are without a win in their last seven Premier League outings and have not won away from The Reebok Stadium since April.

Carlos Tevez inspired West Ham to a 3-1 victory in last season's corresponding fixture, but with the Argentinian now at Manchester United, The Hammers have struggled in front of goal recently.

Alan Curbishley's side have failed to score in three of their last four league games.

They did beat Sunderland in their last home fixture, and will be looking for similar success against a struggling Bolton side who are only off the bottom on goal difference.

West Ham woes

West Ham have a host of injuries to contend with, with no less than 12 players currently on the treatment table at Upton Park.

Freddie Ljungberg, Craig Bellamy, Anton Ferdinand, Mark Noble, Scott Parker and Dean Ashton are among those nursing problems.

The likes of Carlton Cole and Jonathan Spector will be hoping to take their opportunities over the next few weeks.

Anelka struggling

Bolton are sweating on the fitness of leading goalscorer Nicolas Anelka, who was withdrawn against Aston Villa with a hamstring injury.

Anelka sat out the Carling Cup tie with Manchester City and is a doubt to face West Ham on Sunday.

Defensive duo Andy O'Brien (back) and Joey O'Brien (hamstring) suffered injuries against City leaving Megson with more concerns.

TeamWest Ham UnitedBolton Wanderers
Games Played1011
Goal Attempts  
Goals1210
Ave Goals per game1.200.91
Shots (excl blocked shots)10497
% Shots on Target36%44%
% Goals to Shots12%10%
Passing  
Short Passes2,7752,479
Long Passes620721
Overall Pass Completion %74%69%
Crossing  
Total Crosses233292
Cross Completion %25%22%
Defending  
Goals Conceded917
Ave goals conceded per game0.901.55
Tackles249237
Tackles Won %78%78%
Blocks, Clearances & Interceptions651801
Discipline  
Fouls137155
Yellow Cards2024
Red Cards00