Defending champions United have seen Bolton as a bit of a bogey team in recent seasons. The Trotters are one of few teams to record back to back wins at Old Trafford whilst last season Wanderers where within seconds of completing a league double over their big city neighbours at the Reebok Stadium with only a last gasp equaliser by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer saving United's blushes. Earlier in the season however, the Reds thrashed Wanderers 4-0 as they did by the same scoreline two years ago to demonstrate that this fixture doesn't always work in favour of the Lancashire side, with both teams on a decent run of form this should be an exciting game to watch.
Wanderers will recall Jussi Jaaskelainen, Bruno N'Gotty, Simon Charlton, Youri Djorkaeff and Jay-Jay Okocha to the starting line up after they where rested for the weekend cup tie with Tranmere Rovers. Ricardo Gardner, Ivan Campo and Kevin Davies also look set to return following suspension whilst Kevin Nolan and Per Frandsen could start having been on the bench at Prenton Park. New loan signing Javi Moreno may get a chance to make his Bolton debut but the most likely option for the former Alaves man will be as a substitute.
United look set to recall striker Ruud Van Nistelrooy and captain Roy Keane to the starting line up as both missed Sunday's cup win over Aston Villa. Rio Ferdinand is a slight doubt for the Reds having missed the game at Villa with flu so Wes Brown who made his first start of the season in the cup tie may once again deputise. Phil Neville (ankle) and John O'Shea (head) are expected to be fit for the visit to the Reebok Stadium.
PLAYED FOR BOTH
JOHN BALL
PETER BARNES
PETER BEARDSLEY
WYN DAVIES
TONY DUNNE
BARRY FRY
ALAN GOWLING
BRIAN KIDD
HARRY MCSHANE
WILLIE MORGAN
JOHN O'KANE
PAUL WHEATCROFT
BILL WRIGGLESWORTH
OTHER CONNECTIONS
IAN GREAVES
FRANK STAPLETON