VMC Preview: The Trotters v The Blues

Beleaguered Bolton prepare to welcome Sizzling City in what always promises to be an uncompromising clash. The mood around the Reebok is utterly demoralised and The Blues must capitalise on that in the race for a top four finish

Mark Hughes

"Bolton are probably in a better position than last year when we faced them there. They beat us 2-0 on that occasion and we don't want that to happen again."

Gary Megson

'We have got a few players who are not delivering what I know they can deliver for whatever reason. That's why we are where we are and we have got to change all that.'

Phil Gartside

'When Gary was appointed, I got a bloke who I wanted, and who could do what I wanted him to do. I don't want someone who is going to crumble because someone has shouted his name out in the wrong context at a football match. It needs to be someone with bottle and spirit, and that's what we have got.'

Vincent Kompany

'Our spirits are high at the moment. But a strength of this team is that we are a very focused group so even though we enjoyed the weekend, once we started on Monday it was over and we're just looking forward to Bolton now. That's our only objective. They are all hard games in England, but I've learned that if we do the right things and apply the right tactics we can win against whoever we play."

Pablo Zabaleta

"I think we`ve started the season really well and have only lost one game so far, which isn`t bad at all. We`ve got a great chance to challenge at the top of the table and we`ve got some fantastic players in our squad. Collectively, I think the last two games have been terrific and we definitely believe we`re good enough to challenge for a place in the top four."

VMC City Video Link: Mark Hughes Bolton Press Conference

VMC BBC Video Link: Robinho's Message To City Fans

Foul expert and all round dirty get Bolton captain Kevin Davies returns to the side after a one-match suspension. Joey O'Brien and Sean Davis are the only players unavailable, otherwise under pressure Megson has a full deck.

Got to be Davies. If he throws in his usually uncompromising towel, Bolton will collapse like a deck of cards and Megson can surely resign if Gartside won`t sack him.

The classy veteran Sylvinho is ready to step into the injured Wayne Bridge`s left back slot. Stephen Ireland, after a an admirable City store signing session that won him many plaudits is back in contention after a knee knock. Craig Bellamy and Vladimir Weiss are over pig flu. Other than that, City are at full strength. Michael Johnson has been cruelly ruled out for the season.

As the season goes deeper into winter and battles like the one at Bolton loom, this is where Tevez will come into his own. He relishes a scrap and will have a big role to play this afternoon.

The Citizens have failed to score in their last 4 league visits to Bolton!
Joey Barton the last to score in a 1-0 win exactly 5 years ago.

Bolton have one point from their last five games.

Wanderers have won once at home this season in the league against Everton 2 months ago.

City are unbeaten in 12 games in all competitions and have lost once all season.

This is Sparky's 200th match as a gaffer. His record with Blackburn and City: W79, D51, L69.

The Blues are the only Premier League club not to have been given a penalty this season.

VMC Forum Link:Manchester City v Bolton (A) - Saturday, Dec. 12th, 3PM UK Time KO - Matchday Thread

M Clattenburg, Tyne & Wear. This is the fella who reffed FourTwoGate and Ade's demented goal celebration. He likes his yellows and there are often plenty of goals around him. Current Season Record: Games:16, Yellow Cards:46, Red Cards: 2

This is a game that City must win in readiness for the ever difficult trip to White Hart Lane in midweek. Bolton are in total disarray and an early City goal will see the Wanderers fans go apeshit. This City side is showing signs of coming together and are due to give someone a pasting. A big win on the road would deliver a declaration of serious intent. Johnny On The Spot: Bolton 0 CITY 3.

A: Spurs, Wed 16 Dec 20h00 GMT
H: Sunderland, Sat 19 Dec 15h00 GMT
H: Stoke, Sat 26 Dec 15h00 GMT
A: Wolves, Mon 28 Dec 19h45 GMT
A: Middlesbrough Sat 2 Jan 15h00 GMT
H: the rags, LCSF, Wed 6 Jan 19h45 GMT

Vital F1 Prediction League - Join now for Monaco