Arsenal v Bolton preview

Wenger: Without Gallas and Silvestre

PREDICTIONS:
Skysports.com prediction: Arsenal 2 Bolton 1
Sky Bet odds: Arsenal 4/11 Draw 7/2 Bolton 17/2
One to Watch: Robin van Persie
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Arsenal will be looking to keep their faint title hopes alive when they tackle Bolton on Saturday.

Arsene Wenger has vowed to keep fighting for top spot even though the Gunners fell ten points off the pace during a disappointing first half to the season.

Arsenal are currently fifth in the table and their immediate focus will be on overhauling surprise package Aston Villa, who they trail by three points.

There have been encouraging signs in recent weeks with draws against Liverpool and Villa and a victory over Portsmouth, as well as a 3-1 triumph at home to Plymouth in the FA Cup.

Wenger will be without defensive duo William Gallas (hamstring) and Mikael Silvestre (thigh) for Arsenal's first league match of 2009, with the pair facing three weeks on the sidelines.

Kolo Toure (groin), Gael Clichy (calf) and Denilson (back) are available again after missing the clash with Plymouth, while Alex Song also returns after serving a suspension.

Striker Eduardo remains in recovery following a broken leg, while captain Cesc Fabregas (knee), Theo Walcott (shoulder), and Tomas Rosicky (hamstring) are all long-term absentees.

Determined

Bolton have suffered defeats against Liverpool and Wigan since Christmas, while they were also knocked out of the FA Cup by Sunderland last weekend.

Before the festive period they had been in the top half of the table but recent results have left them 11th and just three points above the relegation zone.

A home game against Manchester United follows next Saturday and Gary Megson will be determined to pick up three points at Arsenal, where Bolton have had some success in the past.

However, Kevin Nolan begins a two-match ban after collecting his 10th yellow card of the season and Iceland international Gretar Steinsson serves a one-match suspension for reaching five bookings.

Centre-back Gary Cahill could remain sidelined after missing the past two games with rib and hip injuries but midfielder Gavin McCann is available after suspension.

Ebi Smolarek is pushing for a start after coming on to score a consolation goal at the Stadium of Light.

Possible starting XIs

Arsenal: Almunia, Sagna, Toure, Djourou, Clichy, Eboue, Denilson, Diaby, Nasri, Adebayor, Van Persie.

Bolton: Jaaskelainen, Hunt, Andy O'Brien, Shittu, Samuel, Taylor, McCann, Muamba, Gardner, Davies, Elmander.