Premier League: Bolton Wanderers v Manchester United Preview

There’s yet another North West clash in the Premier League this weekend as Manchester United journey to the Reebok Stadium to take on Bolton Wanderers. The Trotters, now managed by former Burnley boss Owen Coyle, have changed their style significantly from the days of lumping the ball forward and playing the percentage game under Sam Allardyce and Gary Megson. But expect the Red Devils to still have a tough encounter, at a venue where they have often come unstuck in recent years.

United will be buoyed by a 5-2 win at Scunthorpe on Wednesday, which manager Sir Alex Ferguson missed after he decided to go and watch future Champions League group stage opponents Valencia. Hotshot Michael Owen could be in line for a start after bagging a brace in the midweek cup game. Wayne Rooney is certainly off form, a fact which Ferguson has admitted.

But he is expected to play, even with Bulgarian striker Dimitar Berbatov in superb form. Bolton chief Coyle endured a torrid return to Burnley as they were unfortunately paired with his old club in the Carling Cup. He was once again labelled a judas as they were dumped out by the Championship side 1-0.

Bookmakers are expecting Berbatov to continue his hot-streak in this fixture and he is 4/1 with ExtraBet to score first. The game is live on ESPN with kick-off at 12 noon. Odds correct at time of writing and are subject to change