Manchester City Preview

Last updated : 20 February 2004 By Mark Heys
Bolton Wanderers will be hoping they can further add to Manchester City's recent dismal record as the two local sides go head to head at the Reebok Stadium tommorow afternoon.


City haven't won in the league in 15 attempts the last victory ironically coming against Wanderers who where comfortably defeated 6-2 on their first visit to the City of Manchester Stadium however since then nothing has seemed to go right for the Manchester side.

Bolton manager Sam Allardyce may call upon a former City player with Steve Howey poised to make a debut as fellow centre half Emerson Thome is suspended. Recently capped England U21 international Nicky Hunt returns to the team having missed last week's draw with Leicester City due to a ban but Stelios Giannakopoulos is still doubtful with the ankle injury which has kept him out of the last two matches. On loan youngster Jon Otsemobor is once again expected to be on the substitutes bench.

Kevin Keegan has a few selection problems ahead of the short trip to Lancashire and he has looked to the younger end of his squad for some inspiration with four reserve team players all drafted into the squad. Youngsters Stephen Elliott, Stephen Jordan, Willo Flood and Paddy McCarthy have all once again been named in the squad. Former England midfielder Trevor Sinclair is doubtful for the clash with a calf injury whilst Paul Bosvelt and Danny Tiatto will also miss the game. Joey Barton and Nicholas Anelka are suspended following dismissals in recent matches against Spurs and Arsenal respectively.

Last season it was a win each for both these teams, in the last match between the two sides at Maine Road it was the Citezens who scooped the honours with goals coming from current Wanderer Steve Howey and Kevin Horlock whilst in the Easter clash at the Reebok Stadium goals from City supporter Henrik Pedersen and highly contraversial Spaniard Ivan Campo gave Bolton the points.

PLAYED FOR BOTH

PETER BARNES
PETER BEARDSLEY
DAVID CROSS
TONY CUNNINGHAM
WYN DAVIES
ANDY DIBBLE
MIKE DOYLE
ASA HARTFORD
COLIN HENDRY
TONY HENRY
FREDDIE HILL
STEVE HOWEY
ALAN KERNAGHAN
BRIAN KIDD
FRANCIS LEE
STUART LEE
BILLY MCADAMS
NEIL MCNAB
ANDY MAY
JAMIE POLLOCK
PETER REID
PAUL RITCHIE
MARK SEAGRAVES
BARRY SIDDALL
NICKY SUMMERBEE
GERRY TAGGART
MIKE WALSH
TOMMY WRIGHT

OTHER CONNECTIONS

PHIL NEAL
BERT SPROSTON