Arsenal are given the chance to close the gap on their Premier League rivals this evening when they host embattled Bolton Wanderers in their “game in hand” at the Emirates Stadium. A win tonight against the lowly Trotters would see Arsenal move into second position, usurping Manchester United and placing them just one solitary point off first position.

When you take that into account, what would seem like a routine league match against mediocre opposition turns into a vital encounter. This is the one game in which Arsenal can make up ground on Chelsea and United, and therefore a win is absolutely necessary. Bolton were viewed as the Gunners’ bogey team during the reign of Sam Allardyce, however this is not the case anymore. Arsenal have won their last six against Wanderers, scoring 14 goals in the process.

Arsene Wenger’s men will be without a host of first-teamers yet again this evening, however will still remain clear favourites heading into the crucial tie. Captain Cesc Fabregas is still out with a hamstring injury while Alex Song is unavailable due to his African Cup of Nations commitments. Also ruled out are Bendtner (groin), Clichy (back), Djourou (knee), Gibbs (foot), van Persie (ankle) and Theo Walcott (side strain). On a positive note, Andrey Arshavin is expected to return from a foot injury.

That leaves the most likely lineup looking like this:

Eduardo – Arshavin – Nasri
Diaby – Denilson – Ramsey
Traore – Vermaelen – Gallas – Sagna
Almunia

SUBSTITUTES: Fabianski, Silvestre, Eastmond, Rosicky, Wilshere, Merida, Vela.

Given the personnell available, that lineup virtually picks itself. However, if Denilson is declared unfit to feature then the lineup is thrown way out of balance. Tomas Rosicky could possibly step into the midfield with Abou Diaby providing defensive cover, or alternatively Samir Nasri could drop back with Rosicky moving into the forward line. Regardless, this Arsenal squad should posess enough firepower to overcome the struggling Trotters.

I do not think the weather will have much of an impact on this evening’s result. If the game does go ahead (at this stage it is yet to be called off), the under-soil heating at the Emirates will prevent the snow from settling on the pitch. Arsenal’s silky football should not be harmed, however the bitter conditions could possibly play into the hands of Bolton, given that the northerners are more used to playing in such conditions.

If the game is called off then not only have I written this preview for nothing, but Arsenal will miss out on the chance to take advantage of the game in hand that has been looming over them for months. If this evening’s fixture is postponed it will not be due to poor pitch quality, but instead because of the logistical issues that will be plaguing those lucky enough to be planning to go to the game. Transport for Bolton’s five fans may prove to be impossible, while Gooners themselves may face difficulties in getting to the ground.

Assuming the match goes ahead then I can only see this game going one way. Yes, Arsenal are missing a host of first teamers, but there is a huge gulf in class between these two sides. A second-string Gunners lineup should still be enough to overpower struggling Bolton, and move Wenger’s men into second place and just one point off the lead.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, January 6th, 2010 at 7:04 AM and is filed under Arsenal, Match Previews. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.