Bolton v Stoke preview

Trotters hope to spoil Potters' big day

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 16th August 2008

Megson Gary Bolton v Liverpool

Megson: Must start well

PREDICTIONS:

Skysports.com prediction: 2-1

SKY BET odds: Bolton 5/6, Draw 21/10, Stoke 4/1

One to Watch: Johan Elmander

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Premier League new-boys Stoke get their campaign up and running at the Reebok Stadium against Bolton.

The Trotters will be hoping to avoid a repeat of last season's battle against the drop, while Stoke would happily settle for 17th place come May.

If Bolton are to avoid being dragged into the relegation dogfight once again then it is imperative they hit the ground running.

They began the 2007/08 campaign with five defeats in their first six games, and only one win in their first 13.

However, they finished in positive fashion, going unbeaten in their last five matches.

They have also re-established the Reebok's reputation as a difficult place to visit, and have not lost on home turf since Arsenal completed a remarkable turnaround to record a 3-2 victory on 29th March.

While Gary Megson's men may be impressive in front of their supporters, Stoke are no mugs on the road.

The Potters have not tasted defeat on their travels since they slipped up at Loftus Road against Queens Park Rangers on 2nd March.

They should also be in confident mood as they went four games unbeaten in bringing their successful promotion campaign to a close.

However, Stoke are experiencing life in the Premier League for the first time, while they have not featured in the top flight fixture list for 23 years.

They are widely tipped to struggle among England's elite, and only three summer arrivals - Dave Kitson, Thomas Sorensen and Seyi Olofinjana - is a worrying sign.

Stoke also have a poor record against Bolton in recent times, winning just one of the last nine meetings between the two sides.

Helguson out

Gary Megson has just one injury concern heading into the opening day contest, with Heidar Helguson certain to miss out.

The Iceland international has a hernia problem, but should be back in contention for the Trotters' trip to Newcastle on 23rd August.

New signings Johan Elmader, Danny Shittu and Fabrice Muamba are all likely to feature, while Megson must choose between the experience of Jussi Jaaskelainen and the promise of Ali Al Habsi in goal.

Duo in contention

Stoke will make late decisions over the fitness of last season's 15-goal top scorers Ricardo Fuller and Liam Lawrence.

Fuller, who only returned to full training this week, is expected to be on the bench after suffering a knee injury while on international duty with Jamaica.

Lawrence has been used sparingly in pre-season after a hernia operation, but he is expected to start.

Manager Tony Pulis has an otherwise fully fit squad to choose from.

Possible starting XIs

Bolton: Jaaskelainen, Steinsson, Cahill, Shittu, Gardner, Nolan, McCann, Muamba, Taylor, Elmander, Davies

Stoke: Sorensen, Wilkinson, Cort, Shawcross, Griffin, Lawrence, Olofinjana, Whelan, Delap, Kitson, Fuller