Chelsea v Bolton preview

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By Rob Parrish   Last updated: 9th May 2008

avram grant

Grant: Title dream

Skysports.com prediction: Chelsea 4 Bolton 0
One to watch: Michael Ballack
Sky Bet odds: Chelsea 1/6 Draw 11/2 Bolton 18/1
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Chelsea meet Bolton on the final day of the season, but will be equally as interested in how Wigan are faring against Manchester United.

Avram Grant's side are level on points with the Red Devils at the Premier League summit, but their inferior goal difference means they are relying on the Latics doing them a favour at the JJB Stadium.

If United do slip up, Chelsea are determined to take advantage against a Bolton side already all-but assured of their top-flight status for another season.

Gary Megson's men are three points clear of both Reading and Fulham, and have the added cushion of superior goal difference on the duo.

It would take an improbable, but not impossible, series of results for them to end the day in the bottom three.

Chelsea have been in exceptional form in recent weeks, closing the gap at the Premier League summit and reaching their first-ever UEFA Champions League final, where they will also meet Sir Alex Ferguson's side.

The pivotal moment in the title race came at Stamford Bridge two weeks ago, where Michael Ballack's late penalty wiped out United's three-point lead and ensured the title race would go to the final day of the season.

Team news

Grant's will have to make do without Nicolas Anelka, who is ineligible to play against his former club, while he has fitness doubts over two players.

Key defender Ricardo Carvalho has been undergoing intensive treatment after injuring his back in the 2-0 victory at Newcastle on Monday.

The Portugal international was replaced by Alex in the closing stages at St James' Park, with the former PSV player standing by to deputise if needed.

Striker Salomon Kalou has been hampered by an ankle injury, but is expected to have recovered in time to take his place in the squad.

Sunday's trip to Stamford Bridge could be the final game in a Bolton shirt for a number of Trotters players.

El-Hadji Diouf, Ivan Campo, Stelios Giannakopoulos, Ricardo Gardner and Andranik Teymourian are all out of contract in the summer, with Diouf already stating he is heading to pastures new.