West Ham vs. Bolton
Upton Park
06/03/10
16:00
Preview!
After what seems an eternity since Manchester United beat us up at Old Trafford, West Ham finally get their Premier League show back on the road with a visit from fellow strugglers, Bolton Wanderers. We say fellow strugglers, even though we`ve climbed a few places, because with two tough away games to come (Chelsea and Arsenal), it`s essential that we make it three home wins on the trot by beating Owen Coyle`s side.
With Kevin Davies tipped by us to become a major threat, we shouldn`t ignore the merits of a certain Johan Elmander. The Swedish striker scored for his nation, in midweek, and after having cost £10 million he finally feels that he`s ready, after eighteen months with the club, to deliver the goods, remarking,
"There was pressure after the fee but I`ve adapted and goals will come now."
Not this Saturday though mate, not this Saturday!
West Ham Team News:
West Ham enter this fixture still with a few casualties. Zavon Hines, Herita Ilunga, Calum Davenport and Luis Boa Morte are still unavailable but the squad is boosted by the return of Danny Gabbidon and Kieron Dyer. Whether either will feature remains to be seen. Also hoping to feature, after missing the previously mentioned game; is Scott Parker, although Scott will be wary that he`s only one yellow card away from an automatic two game ban.
Rumours persist that Gianfranco Zola will opt for the same starting eleven that beat Hull City the last time we played at Upton Park. Who are we to argue?
Player to watch: Carlton Cole
Fresh from his five minutes of match time, for England, the Upton Park faithful will be hoping that Carlton can continue his fine form and get back amongst the goals that would help West Ham see off the challenge of Bolton and move closer to that mythical forty point mark that is supposed to signify survival.
Bolton Team News:
Owen Coyle brings Bolton to East London with a raft of injuries. In midweek their American international joined a growing list after suffering a fractured leg whilst on international duty and joins Basham, M.Davies, Davis, J O`Brien, Cahill and McCann as not being available.
Worrying times for a Bolton side struggling for form!
Player to watch: Kevin Davies
An ageing but very effective target man who continues to scare the life out of opposition defences. I can`t help wondering if he`d have got far more recognition player for a higher profile club.
Match Facts & Stats
The statistics show that, overall, Bolton have the upper hand in league fixtures between the two sides. In 64 previous meetings Bolton have recorded 32 victories against the 22 to our name, with 10 having ended all square.
But, statistics can lie as we all know!
If we look at recent encounters between the two you`d be a little fearful considering Bolton have won their last 5 meetings with West Ham.
But perhaps that can be counter-balanced with the information that the current Bolton side have not won away from home in the last ten attempts and haven`t scored in their last four.
The most recent meeting between the two sides saw Bolton emerge victorious, at the Reebok, with goals from Lee, Klasnic and Cahill eclipsing one from Diamanti.
Ref Watch:
Lee Probert is the official appointed for this fixture.
Match Prediction:
It`s got to be a home win! Despite luring Owen Coyle from Burnley, Bolton have struggled to show any significant improvement in form whereas West Ham have produced to vibrant performances in their last two home fixtures. It may be tighter than we`d like and there may only be the odd goal in it but I`m going for a West Ham win, by the odd goal in three!
Next Fixtures:
If I`m not mistaken it`s a trip to Stamford Bridge next up for West Ham and a chance to further dent their title hopes, now wouldn`t that be nice!
Facciamo 2-0, 2-1 per Zola e tutti felici?
