Bolton Wanderers' derby against Blackburn ended in controversy this weekend with Jussi Jasskelainen saving two penalties in two minutes and captain Kevin Nolan seeing red for dissent.
The dismissal spells bad news for the Trotters because it means their influential skipper will now serve a two-match ban, starting with the top three clash against United. on Saturday
Scouser Nolan has a habit of playing well against United with three goals to his name against the Reds. His first came in BoltonÂ’s 2-1 win at Old Trafford in October 2001. He then scored the only goal of the game in BoltonÂ’s second win on the bounce at OT, on 11 September 2002 and netted in the 2-2 draw at the Reebok exactly two years later.
Meanwhile, BoltonÂ’s Abdoulaye Faye should be fit to face the Reds despite being taken to hospital following the Blackburn game after suffering concussion. The Senegalese defender was injured in a collision with goalkeeper Jaaskelainen but has been discharged from hospital and although he will miss Wednesday's Carling Cup third round tie against Charlton Athletic at The Valley, he should be ok for Saturday.
"Abdoulaye was visibly in pain and was taken to hospital as a precautionary measure on Sunday," explained Wanderers' boss Sam Allardyce.
"He will have further tests this week from our medical team. He has been ruled out of Wednesday's match at Charlton. If tests prove that he has fully recovered, he could return on Saturday against Manchester United." _________________________________________
without Nolan, but Campo is in top form..
CKeer
Yea, and United dont perform well against physical teams like Blackburn and Bolton. We need more Keanes!
Cheers. C.K
zocoss
This match would be very tough, away to Bolton... an on form team.
Dead_Man_Inc
bolton haven let in any goal at home this..
iceFatboy
frankly, if we can't beat them, we don't deserve to be champions.
I respect SAF when he was interviewed before the Liverpool game about Liverpool tactics.
He merely replied "I am setting my own team, and tactics to go out for a win, I don't really care how Liverpool sets up". (what I heard).
So I think we should go forth with confidence and I believe Bolton is also afraid of us too.
Bolton On form team? Really? Who is on top of table?
"If you trust, don't ask, if you don't, enuf said."