Prematch – UEFA Cup – Home to Zenit
Thursday, November 3, 2005 – 8.00pm kick off
Bolton will be welcoming Zenit Saint Petersburg to The Reebok for the second match of three in the UEFA Cup group stages. Zenit are top of the table having beaten Guimarães and Bolton lie second after the draw with Beşiktaş.
Zenit are not doing very well in the league and will be battling to qualify in order to get into Europe next season. By all accounts Zenit are likely to set a high pace and likely to put pressure on Bolton with a multi-wave attack. They have a reputation of being Russia’s most exciting side – not like BWFC at all some might say.
Andrei Arshavin is one player to keep an eye on. He is one of Zenit’s strikers and has netted the ball five times this season. In fact he is one that a few Premiership teams will be keeping an eye on tonight, you might see a row of Prem scouts at The Reebok tonight. Arshavin’s partner upfront is Alexander Kerzhakov, he too is being tracked (Arsenal and Marseille).
Changes to Bolton’s team are highly likely and should see the return of Jay-Jay Okocha and Stelios Giannakopoulos in midfield along with Nakata, Nolan I suspect will be up front with Diouf and Borgetti, if Sam plays an attacking 4-3-3 formation.
Defending will be Ben Haim, Jaidi, O’Brien and N’Gotty with Jussi perhaps making his UEFA Cup debut for Bolton (if not Walker).
Pedersen is doubtful after picking up an Achilles injury and after minor knee surgery Fadiga is sidelined for a couple of games.
A Wanderers win will take them top of the table with two games to go. It should be a lively game.
According to the BWFC Official website tickets are still available (15 or 20 quid), but if you cannot make it the game is being shown live on Channel 5, coverage starts at 7.45pm. BBC Radio 5 also have live commentry.
COME ON YOU WHITES!
COME ON YOU WHITES!
COME ON YOU WHITES!
BWFC24 Prediction
Bolton 2- 1 Zenit St Petersburg
Link: BWFC Official website – A Closer Look At The Zenit Squad
