AwayGoalsRule.com - Football Forum

What you have to say about Bolton under Gary Megson, similar to when Sam Allardyce was manager, is that they will give United a proper physical battle.

They won't give away easy goals so United will have to earn their victory, but Sir Alex Ferguson has the advantage of being able to change his team and have that great insurance on the bench.

Sunderland gave them a real scare at Old Trafford last time around, but this should be more comfortable.

Verdict: 2-0

Manchester United V Bolton Wanderers

Every week Bolton are described as battlers and thats because thats what they are , they don't play free flowing football and have found their niche which has allowed them to stay in the top division longer than most prople probrably would have forecast.

United were woeful against Sunderland and in thew eyes of some fans the blame falls solely on the shoulders of Ben Foster. Personally i think its harsh but no more than i expected. I'm not saying he has been faultless but on a few occasions he's been made the scapegoat where others were far more culpable.

Its likely that Van der Sar will make his return and i hope for his sake he is faultless or he might find himself being jumped on. Whether Edwins return inspires confidence or not i think Bolton might be on the end of a backlash.

Mystic Jarv predicts 3-0 to United

Wayne Rooney will miss Manchester United's game against Bolton on Saturday due to a calf strain, while the club are waiting to hear if Dimitar Berbatov will be available.

The England striker has picked up a minor knock and will not be risked at Old Trafford, although he could feature in United's midweek UEFA Champions League game at CSKA Moscow.

"Calf injuries can be troublesome," said United boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

"We are trying our best to get him fit for Wednesday but I have my doubts on that. But Wayne should be fit for the Liverpool game.

"We know how difficult these things can be so we will not be taking any chances with the Moscow trip."

Ferguson's striker conundrum is further exacerbated by Berbatov's possible absence due to his girlfriend giving birth in midweek.

The in-form front-man, who bagged a quickfire international hat-trick in midweek, has not yet returned from Bulgaria and is a real doubt for Saturday.

Ferguson will now almost certainly call on Michael Owen in their absence, with the England hopeful desperate for playing time having been given scant opportunity to impress to date.

Fit again Edwin van der Sar will reclaim his place in United's goal at the expense of Ben Foster.

For the veteran Dutchman it is a welcome first appearance of the season after he broke two fingers during a friendly with Bayern Munich in July.

"Edwin plays tomorrow," said Ferguson.

"He had a reserve game 10 days ago and has come through that fine. He has been training for quite a spell now but with a hand injury you don't take any chances and that game has given him a good confidence boost."

Totally dependant on ickle Mickey eh? Marvellous.

I still say United win. 2-1.

You did in the Rooney thread I believe

Neville ahead of Brown