Arsenal head to the North West
to take on Gary Megson's Bolton Wanderers for their third
successive away encounter in the space of seven
days.
The Gunners secured success over Blackburn Rovers last weekend
while on Wednesday a late goal from William Gallas salvaged a draw
against Dynamo Kiev.
Bolton, meanwhile, have had a week to prepare following their
defeat at Fulham and face Arsenal looking for their first win in
four league attempts.
Last season's corresponding fixture was fraught with drama, and
supporters heading to the Reebok Stadium on Saturday teatime will
be hoping for similar entertainment.
A 10-man Gunners side triumphed 3-2 on that day back in March to
end a run of three consecutive defeats, however their form this
time around differs greatly.
Arsene Wenger's men are aiming for a third Premier League
victory on the spin, and have lost just once in their previous 11
games in all competitions.
Megson's men have struggled for firepower this season, having
hit the back of the net just four times in four top-flight matches,
and face the Gunners who boast an unrivalled three clean
sheets.
Bolton are hopeful that record signing Johan Elmander will make
a return to action after his spell on the sidelines with a
hamstring injury.
Matt Taylor is nearing a recovery from his broken toe but
remains absent, while centre-back Gary Cahill is also missing as he
completes his two-match suspension.
Loanee Ebi Smolarek, brought in a day before the transfer
deadline, only linked up with the squad on Thursday and will be
given time to settle.
Arsenal are without three of their Frenchmen as Samir Nasri,
Abou Diaby and Mikael Silvestre all sit out.
Summer signings Nasri (knee) and Silvestre (muscular problem)
are likely to recover for next week's clash against Hull while
Diaby (thigh) is not expected to return for another fortnight.
Bolton: Jaaskelainen, Steinsson, A O'Brien,
Shittu, Samuel, J O'Brien, Gardner, Nolan, McCann, Muamba,
Davies.
Arsenal: Almunia, Sagna, Toure, Gallas, Clichy,
Eboue, Song, Fabregas, Walcott, Bendtner, Adebayor.
