Arsenal - Bolton: Prediction and Preview for Saturday's Match (September 24, 2011)
After disappointing starts to the Premier League season, Arsenal and Bolton meet at Emirates Stadium on Saturday as the two beleaguered clubs try to rebound from last week's setbacks.
This is the Gunners' worst start to a Premier League season since 1953-54, as manager Arsene Wenger's job security continues to be a hot topic of conversation in the British press. Arsenal are coming off a 4-3 loss to Blackburn last week in which the club gave up two own goals. So not only are the Gunners not winning, but they're beating themselves.
Bolton have lost nine of their last 10 Premier League games, and have looked terrible doing it. The Trotters started the season with a 4-0 victory over Queens Park Rangers, but then proceeded to lose their next four, three of which were at home, by a combined score of 13-5.
The only club that has conceded more than 13 goals this season this season are Arsenal (14), so Saturday's match might be a high-scoring affair.
Wenger will have a rested, but still noticeably under-manned, squad for Saturday's match up. Centre back Thomas Vermaelen and midfielder Jack Wilshere are both sidelined until at least the middle of October. Midfielder Yossi Benayoun suffered a side strain against Shrewsbury that should keep him out for a week, and centre back Johan Djourou won't be available due to a hamstring injury. Midfielder Abou Diaby and centre back Sebastien Squillaci remain inactive due to injury, as well.
Neil Warnock's squad have had their share of injuries, as well. American midfielder Stuart Holden returned after a six-month layoff due to a knee injury, but may not play against Arsenal after going 90 minutes against Aston Villa in Carling Cup action.
Croatian Ivan Klasnic is suspended after receiving a red card against Norwich last weekend.
Gary Cahill will be in action for Bolton. The centre back has been linked to Arsenal for several months, but Bolton appeared to have placed an inflanted price tag on the England star. It's possible Cahill could make a move to Emirates in the January transfer period.
History is on the Gunners' side for this match. Arsenal have won their last five home league games against the Trotters.
PREDICTION: This will be a high-scoring match, but only for one club. Arsenal will be very aggressive in their attack, and Mikel Arteta will get Gervinho and Robin van Persie involved, and the duo will take advantage of their opportunities. After conceding a first half goal, Bolton will push forward but this will create more space for players like Theo Walcott to operate, in what should be a thumping at Emirates.
PREDICTED SCORE: Arsenal 4, Bolton 1.
PROBABLE LINEUPS
Arsenal
G: Szczesny
D: Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Santos
M: Song, Arteta, Walcott, Ramsey, Gervinho
F: Van Persie
Bolton
G: Jaaskelainen
D: Robinson, Knight, Cahill, Boyata
M: Eagles, Muamba, Reo-Coker, Petrov
F: Tuncay, Davies
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