Prematch – UEFA Cup – Away to Marseilles
Sammy Lee flew out of Manchester Airport to the south of France yesterday with the squad. Sam Allardyce is hoping to recover from a chest infection sufficiently to travel today [Thursday].
Both Sammy Lee and Gary Speed have made comment about tonight’s game and both agree that the home crowd will be loud with passion for the game. Around 3,000 Wanderers fans will add to what should be a crowd that doubles that which attended the first leg at The Reebok – expect 40,000 or more.
Assistant manager, Sammy Lee said:
“They are a very passionate crowd in Marseilles – but that is something to enjoy rather than be fearful of. They are a strong side, but I would prefer going there with a 0-0 rather than a 1-1. Marseilles will be fully aware of
our potential as well.”
Gary Speed : Bring them on!
“It is going to be difficult; there’s no doubt about that, but that’s what football is all about. Being successful is about playing lots of games, so I say ‘Bring them on!’
Having already place at the Stade Velodrome a coule of years ago, Gary Speed has already experienced defeat in southern france when The Magpies were beaten 2-0.
Speedy reminisced:
“It’s a great place to play football. It’s very intimidating and the fans are vociferous, but we’ve got to be ready for that, especially in the first 20 minutes. We need to keep it tight and make sure we don’t concede a goal early.
“We’ve learned that they are a very good team, very good on the break with lots of pace up front. The Senegalese lad, Mamadou Niang, is very quick. When we are attacking we’ve got to keep our eye on the back door for that reason. That’s the way they play and we have to be aware of that.
“It’ll be a difficult game, we are under no illusions.
“We’ve got to try and keep progressing in all competitions. It will be difficult because our squad’s not the biggest and we have a backlog of games in the Premiership. We know we’ve got lots of hard work ahead of us and we’ll roll our sleeves up. If anyone’s prepared to and can do I think it is us.”
Bolton were held to a scoreless draw by Marseille at The Reebok and will be seeking revenge for the terrible referee decision that dismissed a valid penalty claim for handball (by Dehu) in the box.
Meanwhile, Captain Nolan has said:
“We want to be in the last 16 of the Uefa Cup and the last eight of the FA Cup. Who would ever have believed that at the start of the season for Bolton Wanderers? We’re really happy and we want to keep it going. It’s been a fantastic season so far.”
Bolton will see the return of Henrik Pedersen after his long term injury, but Marseille will be missing Cesar due to injury which is quite good news for The Trotters. Bolton’s ongoing injuries include Campo, Diouf and Fadiga. N’Gotty may replace Jaidi in defence having been rested, and Jared Borgetti will be making another first team start while Vaz Té will more than likely watching from the bench for the first 70 minutes or so.
Massimo Busacca of Switzerland will be refereeing the match and hopefully will not hinder Bolton’s progress to the last 16.
BWFC24 Prediction
L’Olympique De Marseille 1-1 Bolton Wanderers
Both goals being scored in the first half.
