Premier League Preview: Bolton - Chelsea

The only thing that Bolton can take from the sides' midweek meeting in the League Cup is an increased awareness of just how punishing Carlo Ancelotti's Chelsea side can be – especially if you squander your own chances.

Both sides made changes for the League Cup fixture, and Chelsea's 4-0 victory merely highlighted the wealth of talent at their disposal – do not expect a similar scoreline at the weekend.

Bolton have been impressive at home of late, challenging their image as long-ball specialists – Kevin Davies' superb goal during the 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur is evidence that the new-look Trotters can play decent football.

Chelsea, meanwhile, have been in incredible scoring form of late, having notched up 13 goals in their last three matches alone, without conceding a single goal.

FORM GUIDE

Bolton Wanderers

Chelsea 4-0 Bolton
Bolton 3-2 Everton
Manchester United 2-1 Bolton
Bolton 2-2 Tottenham Hotspur
Birmingham 1-2 Bolton

Chelsea

Chelsea 4-0 Bolton
Chelsea 5-0 Blackburn
Chelsea 4-0 Atletico Madrid
Aston Villa 2-1 Chelsea
Chelsea 2-0 Liverpool

TEAM NEWS

Bolton Wanderers

Gary Megson is likely to recall the majority of his senior players for the weekend, including first-choice goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen.

Defenders Joey O'Brien (knee) and Andy O'Brien (groin) are both likely to miss the match, along with striker Johan Elmander (hamstring) and midfielder Sean Davis (knee). 

Possible starting XI (4-5-1): Jaaskelainen, Ricketts, Cahill, Knight, Samuel, Muamba, Chung-Yong Lee, Cohen, Gardner, Taylor, Davies.

Chelsea

Deco’s impressive performance in midweek could find the Portuguese midfielder rewarded with a starting place in the Chelsea side this weekend; but I expect Ancelotti to pick the same side that annihilated Blackburn.

Defenders Ashley Cole (gashed leg) and Jose Bosingwa (knee) are likely to miss the match against Bolton along with Yuri Zhirkov (ankle) and Jon Obi Mikel (foot).

Chelsea also have doubts over Salomon Kalou and Branislav Ivanovic who picked up knocks during the midweek clash, and both will have fitness tests ahead of Saturday's trip to Bolton.

Possible starting XI (4-4-2): Cech, Ivanovich, Carvalho, Terry, Belletti, Essien, Ballack, Lampard, Cole, Anelka, Drogba.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Bolton – Jussi Jaaskelainen

If Bolton are to get anything from this fixture then their veteran goalkeeper will have to give a master-class in goalkeeping – something that the Finn is more than capable of.

Chelsea – Joe Cole

Joe Cole has been extremely impressive since his to return to first team football, with Carlo Ancelotti already branding him as a "genius". Cole is more than a footballer with immense trickery, though. His workrate and craft will trouble Bolton throughout this match.

PREDICTION

Bolton Wanderers 1-2 Chelsea