Bolton v Arsenal preview

Wenger and Megson: Showdown

Skysports.com prediction: Bolton 1 Arsenal 1

Sky Bet odds: Bolton 5/1, Draw 13/5, Arsenal 8/13

One to Watch: Kevin Davies

Bet on Saturday's match

Related links

Teams

• Arsenal
• Bolton Wanderers

Also see

• Sky Sports experts
• Transfer Centre
• Super 6: Win £100k

Arsenal head to the North West to take on Gary Megson's Bolton Wanderers for their third successive away encounter in the space of seven days.

The Gunners secured success over Blackburn Rovers last weekend while on Wednesday a late goal from William Gallas salvaged a draw against Dynamo Kiev.

Bolton, meanwhile, have had a week to prepare following their defeat at Fulham and face Arsenal looking for their first win in four league attempts.

Last season's corresponding fixture was fraught with drama, and supporters heading to the Reebok Stadium on Saturday teatime will be hoping for similar entertainment.

A 10-man Gunners side triumphed 3-2 on that day back in March to end a run of three consecutive defeats, however their form this time around differs greatly.

Bolton goals

Arsene Wenger's men are aiming for a third Premier League victory on the spin, and have lost just once in their previous 11 games in all competitions.

Megson's men have struggled for firepower this season, having hit the back of the net just four times in four top-flight matches, and face the Gunners who boast an unrivalled three clean sheets.

Bolton are hopeful that record signing Johan Elmander will make a return to action after his spell on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.

Matt Taylor is nearing a recovery from his broken toe but remains absent, while centre-back Gary Cahill is also missing as he completes his two-match suspension.

French trio

Loanee Ebi Smolarek, brought in a day before the transfer deadline, only linked up with the squad on Thursday and will be given time to settle.

Arsenal are without three of their Frenchmen as Samir Nasri, Abou Diaby and Mikael Silvestre all sit out.

Summer signings Nasri (knee) and Silvestre (muscular problem) are likely to recover for next week's clash against Hull while Diaby (thigh) is not expected to return for another fortnight.

Possible starting XIs

Bolton: Jaaskelainen, Steinsson, A O'Brien, Shittu, Samuel, J O'Brien, Gardner, Nolan, McCann, Muamba, Davies.

Arsenal: Almunia, Sagna, Toure, Gallas, Clichy, Eboue, Song, Fabregas, Walcott, Bendtner, Adebayor.