PREVIEW-Soccer-Happy memories as Chelsea head for Bolton

@tvbp1985 (999)
China
November 27, 2006 6:38pm CST
Chelsea's stay in northwest England continues on Wednesday when the champions look to re-kindle some happy memories at Bolton Wanderers after their 1-1 draw at Manchester United. The Reebok stadium, where Bolton beat Arsenal 3-1 on Saturday, was the scene last year of Chelsea's first league title under Jose Mourinho, delivered on a rainswept evening by two fine goals from Frank Lampard. Though there would be none of the emotional celebrations which marked Chelsea's first league title for 50 years this time around, Mourinho's men need a prompt return to winning ways after drawing at Old Trafford. Second in the table and trailing United by three points, much of Sunday's hard work could be lost if they dropped points on a night when United will expect to beat Everton at home. However, the Reebok is a notoriously tough venue in the Premier League and Sam Allardyce's men, buoyed by a victory over Arsenal that hoisted them to third in the table, will be up for the fight. Tactically, Mourinho must decide whether to try again with Andriy Shevchenko after the Ukraine striker's toothless first-half performance on Sunday in a 4-4-2 formation with Ivorian Didier Drogba. The second-half alternative of a 4-3-3 with Drogba flanked by wingers Joe Cole and Arjen Robben certainly packed a bigger punch and there could be an extra incentive on Wednesday. Both of Bolton's full-backs, South African Quinton Fortune and Nicky Hunt, suffered injuries against Arsenal and are struggling to be fit. ROONEY'S BLUES United are in much better shape to face an Everton side who could only draw at bottom club Charlton Athletic and who are sorely missing injured Australia midfielder Tim Cahill. England striker Wayne Rooney, who can still expect a hard time from the visiting fans after leaving Everton to join United in 2004, is on form and unlikely to show any mercy on his old club. He linked up well with Portuguese winger Cristiano Ronaldo and French goalscorer Louis Saha on Sunday and it is difficult to see Everton coping with the pressure of a team with a point to prove. Fourth-placed Portsmouth face the unenviable task of going to Anfield, where Liverpool have won six and drawn one of their seven league games this season, while Aston Villa host Manchester City. Sixth-placed Arsenal, whose title challenge looks to be over but whose bid for a Champions League place is just beginning, face a London derby at Fulham's Craven Cottage. The midweek action gets underway on Tuesday with a relegation dogfight between Watford and Sheffield United at Vicarage Road.
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