Arsenal host Bolton Wanderers at the Emirates on Saturday, and will hope to secure a vital three points and some much-needed confidence.

At Blackburn last weekend, a half-time lead of 2-1 for the Gunners was reduced to a 4-3 loss by full-time, leading to more criticism of Arsene Wenger.

The Frenchman has had a torrid few months, ever since he sanctioned the sales of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri. What is causing particular ire is the fact that Wenger didn't move quickly enough to secure replacements, despite having no shortage of funds at his disposal. Following an 8-2 humiliation at Manchester United, Wenger did splurge, on transfer deadline day, for Per Mertesacker, Andre Santos and Mikel Arteta while he also brought in Yossi Benayoun on loan from Chelsea.

However, those weren't the 'big names' Arsenal fans were hoping for, and with their patchy form continuing, Theo Walcott had to come out in support of his manager stating that the players were to blame for the losses.

The Gunners did secure a win against Shrewsbury during mid-week in the Carling Cup, and hopes are that the win will propel them into stringing together a streak. That could come without too many problems though, as Bolton are in a difficult situation themselves.

After five games, Bolton sit at 19 in the table, a point below Arsenal. However, a morale boosting midweek win against fellow-Premiership rivals Aston Villa, in the Carling Cup, was impressive in its own right and Owen Coyle will hope his side can derive some confidence from that win.

It makes for an interesting viewing, albeit in an unfamiliar context - the match will be a bottom-of-the-table clash, although a win can change things very quickly for either side as the season is still in its infancy.

Team News

Arsenal will gladly welcome back the trio of Aaron Ramsey, Tomas Rosicky and Bacary Sagna. However, Johan Djourou and Yossi Benayoun are both sidelined with injuries.

Bolton will be without the suspended Ivan Klasnic. Stuart Holden, who has made his return after six months out, could feature although it is unclear whether Owen Coyle will risk the player.

Prediction

Arsenal's new signings, despite not being 'big signings' are all good players. It's almost a month since they were brought and it is about time they show signs of an understanding of each other's games. Arsenal will face a tough task but ought to secure a nervy 2-1 victory.

Manchester United Soccer Football