Match Previews

Bolton claimed a memorable 1-0 win in the 1st leg.... Steinsson (def) and Rasiak (att) ineligible while Helguson (sp)(att) is injured.... Gardner (r)(def) is ruled out.... Bolton took a huge step towards the last 16 of the UEFA Cup as they beat Atletico Madrid 1-0 at the Reebok last Thursday. Bolton produced a fine 1st half display and even though Atletico improved after the break the dismissal of the visitors start striker proved costly and Bolton's victory was deserved. With the relegation zone only three points away and an important away game at Blackburn just three days after this fixture Bolton manager Megson could be forgiven for focussing on the domestic affairs, but after the excellent 1st leg result he will most likely field his strongest formation. Only new signing Steinsson is absent from his preferred starting eleven. This means that either Hunt or Joey O'Brien will start on the right back position. Both a competent replacements and Steinsson's absence is of minor significance. At central defence new signing Cahill has impressed since he joined from Aston Villa. He looks set to continue in the starting formation. Andy O'Brien partnered him in the 1st leg, but Meite had just returned from the African Cup of Nations and after a week in England Meite looks most likely to start. Left back Gardner missed the game and has been ruled out of this one too so Samuel will start again. Megson will probably crowd the midfield with five players in an attempt to break the Spaniards build-up play. We should see Taylor and Diouf start on the wings with Campo, Nolan and Guthrie forming the central midfield. This means that Davies will continue as sole striker.