English Premier League: Bolton Wanderers vs. Chelsea - Match Preview
Bolton Wanderers can put an end to Chelsea’s title hopes tonight if they manage to secure a win over their faltering visitors. Given their recent performances, Bolton might actually stand a chance especially with the news coming in that http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Frank-Lampard-c14097 would be sitting out of this match and John Terry is doubtful to start.
Owen Coyle’s side have had a disappointing run, picking up just one point since Christmas and going four matches without a win. A victory over the Blues will see ninth place Bolton go up to seventh place; however, considering their record against the defending champions, a win will not be easy.
After remaining unbeaten in 15 matches against Bolton in all competitions, Chelsea have scored in the last 20 fixtures against them. On the other hand, Bolton have not managed to score in their last seven home games against the Blues, making it the longest period for any host side to go without scoring a goal against its opponent in the Premier league.
Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti will be hoping his side continues with their recent form, which saw them thrash Ipswich Town 7-0 in the third round of the FA Cup and then secure a comfortable 2-0 win over Blackburn http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Rovers-c40385 in the Premier League. Their win over the Rovers was their second away win in over 10 away fixtures.
The Blues are currently 10 points behind league leaders Manchester United, who have a game in hand. If Chelsea wish to catch up, they will have to win 13 of their remaining 16 Premier League games, according to Ancelotti. Anything less than a win at the Reebok Stadium tonight will be a huge setback and disappointment for the Blues.
Team News
Bolton Wanderers
David Wheater, the former Middlesbrough defender, recently signed a three-and-half-year deal with the side and could be making his debut against the Blues. However, striker http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Lee-Chung-Yong-c21873 will be unavailable because he is away on national duty at the Asian Cup.
Chelsea
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Yossi-Benayoun-c37520 remain long-term absentees.
Possible starting XIs
Bolton Wanderers
Jaaskelainen, Robinson, Cahill, Knight, Ricketts, Taylor, Muamba, Holden, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Kevin-Davies-c20716.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Chelsea-c38786
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Didier-Drogba-c11044.
Interesting Fact
TV presenters Andy Gray and Richard Keys have been dropped from the Bolton-Chelsea clash following their sexist comments about Sian Massey, a female assistant referee and West Ham’s vice-chairman Karren Brady. The pair did not realize that the microphones were still on when they made the remarks about Massey during the http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Liverpool-c39809 versus Wolverhampton Wanderers game over the weekend. Gray and Keys criticized the female assistant referee for a decision, which proved to be correct later. Their conversation went like this:
Keys: ‘Somebody better get down there and explain offside to her.’
Gray: ‘Can you believe that? A female linesman. Women don’t know the offside rule.’
Keys: ‘Course they don’t. I can guarantee you there will be a big one today. Kenny [Dalglish] will go potty. This is not the first time, is it? Didn’t we have one before? Wendy Toms?’
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