Matchday 18 ~ Bolton vs Birmingham

Freddy Adu · 12-16-2007, 10:53 PM

Bolton vs Birmingham

Premier League 2007/2008 | Campeonato | Day 18


Bolton				Birmingham

Date
2007-12-22 15h00

City
Bolton

Stadium
Reebok Stadium

Referee

Oscar Cardozo · 12-16-2007, 11:03 PM

Bolton 2-1

Cristiano Best 07 · 12-16-2007, 11:15 PM

Bolton 3-1.

Brasil · 12-17-2007, 07:22 AM

Birmingham.

Freddy Adu · 12-21-2007, 08:34 PM

Bolton v Birmingham

Reebok Stadium
Saturday, 22 December
Kick-off: 1500 GMT
BBC coverage: BBC Sport website, BBC Radio Five Live & highlights on Match of the Day. Featured game on Score and Final Score.

Freddy Adu · 12-22-2007, 12:24 AM

Andy O'Brien is set to return to the Bolton defence after a bout of food poisoning and midfielder Kevin Nolan has shaken off a foot injury.

Oscar Cardozo · 12-22-2007, 12:25 AM

Long-term absentee Heidar Helguson (ankle) has returned to training but is not yet fully fit.

Oscar Cardozo · 12-22-2007, 12:26 AM

Birmingham are without suspended centre back Liam Ridgewell but midfielder Mehdi Nafti is available again.

Oscar Cardozo · 12-22-2007, 12:26 AM

Ex-Bolton player Rahdi Jaidi is in the squad, Johan Djourou is fit (pelvis) but Stuart Parnaby is out (foot).

Oscar Cardozo · 12-22-2007, 12:26 AM

Bolton (from): Jaaskelainen, Al Habsi, Hunt, A O'Brien, Meite, Cid, Gardner, Giannakopoulos, Guthrie, McCann, Nolan, Alonso, Speed, Teymourian, Wilhelmsson, Davies, Anelka, Diouf, Samuel, Al Habsi, Michalik, Braaten.

Oscar Cardozo · 12-22-2007, 12:26 AM

Birmingham (from): Taylor, Kingson, Doyle, Kelly, Djourou, Schmitz, Jaidi, Sadler, Larsson, McSheffrey, Muamba, Nafti, Johnson, Kapo, Jerome, Forssell, O'Connor, De Ridder.

Oscar Cardozo · 12-22-2007, 12:26 AM

Bolton manager Gary Megson:
"We've had a couple of decent results here and we've got to try to keep that going.

"If you've got a really good home record, that will take you so far.

"If you can start getting one or two results on the road as well then you'll have a good season, and we want to finish in the top 10."

Oscar Cardozo · 12-22-2007, 12:26 AM

Birmingham boss Alex McLeish:
"Bolton have got a lot of good players in their team. They can mix it and can play football as well.

"They have some pretty good assets up front, not forgetting the speed and technique of Anelka.

"He has been around for a long time. He has had many clubs and has played for his country. He is a top player. He will beat most people in a sprint."

Oscar Cardozo · 12-22-2007, 12:27 AM

Two clubs positioned just above the danger line with different managers since the start of the season meet at the Reebok; victory for Bolton will see them leapfrogging Birmingham and could consign their Midlands' opponents to the relegation zone for the first time this season in an established Premier League table.

Oscar Cardozo · 12-22-2007, 12:27 AM

Both these sides have scored 18 Premier League goals and conceded 27, but Birmingham are two points above the trap door, and Bolton only one.

Oscar Cardozo · 12-22-2007, 12:27 AM

Bolton have not lost a home league game since the arrival of Gary Megson; Birmingham have won one, drawn one and lost one of their three league games since Alex McLeish took over, and are vying for a 700th victory in top-flight football.

Oscar Cardozo · 12-22-2007, 12:27 AM

The Brummies claimed their first home win of the season in the reverse fixture in September, and are now intending to complete the double over Bolton for the second time in the Premier League.

Oscar Cardozo · 12-22-2007, 12:28 AM

BOLTON WANDERERS
Highest achievable after Saturday's matches: 14th
Lowest could fall: 19th

Oscar Cardozo · 12-22-2007, 12:28 AM

1. The last four Premier League matches have resulted in: win - loss - win - loss, in that order.

Oscar Cardozo · 12-22-2007, 12:28 AM

2. The current tally of 14 points after 17 games is their lowest return to this stage in five seasons.

Oscar Cardozo · 12-22-2007, 12:28 AM

3. Out to add to their 100 Premier League wins.

Oscar Cardozo · 12-22-2007, 12:28 AM

4. Won two, drawn three and lost two Premier League matches under Megson.

Oscar Cardozo · 12-22-2007, 12:28 AM

5. It's over a year since they last beat a Midlands' club in the Premier League; that being Aston Villa, 0-1 away, on 16 December 2006.

Oscar Cardozo · 12-22-2007, 12:28 AM

6. All three league victories have been secured at the Reebok; v Reading on 25 August, and in the two most recent home games, v Manchester United on 24 November and Wigan on 9 December.

Oscar Cardozo · 12-22-2007, 12:28 AM

7. Undefeated in four home league matches; won two and drawn two since losing 0-1 to Chelsea on 7 October.

Oscar Cardozo · 12-22-2007, 12:28 AM

8. Not won three consecutive home league games in 17 outings since defeating West Ham, Newcastle and Portsmouth in their last three at the Reebok in 2006.

Oscar Cardozo · 12-22-2007, 12:29 AM

9. Visit Everton on Boxing Day and Sunderland three days later, and host Derby on 2 January.

Oscar Cardozo · 12-22-2007, 12:29 AM

BIRMINGHAM CITY
Highest realistically achievable after Saturday's matches: 13th
Lowest could fall: 19th

Oscar Cardozo · 12-22-2007, 12:29 AM

1. Won two of 12 in all competitions, and lost eight of the last 11.

12-16-2007, 11:15 PM	#3 (permalink)
Cristiano Best 07 Soccer Forums All Star Offline Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: West Virginia Posts: 1,126 vCash: 518 Rep Points: 56	Bolton 3-1. __________________

12-16-2007, 11:03 PM	#2 (permalink)
Oscar Cardozo Soccer Forums Rookie Offline Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: California Posts: 54,038 vCash: 294 Rep Points: 985	Bolton 2-1

12-17-2007, 07:22 AM	#4 (permalink)
Brasil Soccer Forums Rookie Offline Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Canada Posts: 20,159 vCash: 23720747 Rep Points: 1487	Birmingham.

12-22-2007, 12:24 AM	#6 (permalink)
Freddy Adu Fredua Koranteng Adu Offline Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Estados Unidos Posts: 256,709 vCash: 20158194 Rep Points: 916	Andy O'Brien is set to return to the Bolton defence after a bout of food poisoning and midfielder Kevin Nolan has shaken off a foot injury.

12-22-2007, 12:25 AM	#7 (permalink)
Oscar Cardozo Soccer Forums Rookie Offline Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: California Posts: 54,038 vCash: 294 Rep Points: 985	Long-term absentee Heidar Helguson (ankle) has returned to training but is not yet fully fit.

12-22-2007, 12:26 AM	#8 (permalink)
Oscar Cardozo Soccer Forums Rookie Offline Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: California Posts: 54,038 vCash: 294 Rep Points: 985	Birmingham are without suspended centre back Liam Ridgewell but midfielder Mehdi Nafti is available again.

12-22-2007, 12:26 AM	#9 (permalink)
Oscar Cardozo Soccer Forums Rookie Offline Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: California Posts: 54,038 vCash: 294 Rep Points: 985	Ex-Bolton player Rahdi Jaidi is in the squad, Johan Djourou is fit (pelvis) but Stuart Parnaby is out (foot).

12-22-2007, 12:26 AM	#10 (permalink)
Oscar Cardozo Soccer Forums Rookie Offline Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: California Posts: 54,038 vCash: 294 Rep Points: 985	Bolton (from): Jaaskelainen, Al Habsi, Hunt, A O'Brien, Meite, Cid, Gardner, Giannakopoulos, Guthrie, McCann, Nolan, Alonso, Speed, Teymourian, Wilhelmsson, Davies, Anelka, Diouf, Samuel, Al Habsi, Michalik, Braaten.

12-22-2007, 12:26 AM	#11 (permalink)
Oscar Cardozo Soccer Forums Rookie Offline Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: California Posts: 54,038 vCash: 294 Rep Points: 985	Birmingham (from): Taylor, Kingson, Doyle, Kelly, Djourou, Schmitz, Jaidi, Sadler, Larsson, McSheffrey, Muamba, Nafti, Johnson, Kapo, Jerome, Forssell, O'Connor, De Ridder.

12-22-2007, 12:26 AM	#12 (permalink)
Oscar Cardozo Soccer Forums Rookie Offline Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: California Posts: 54,038 vCash: 294 Rep Points: 985	Bolton manager Gary Megson: "We've had a couple of decent results here and we've got to try to keep that going. "If you've got a really good home record, that will take you so far. "If you can start getting one or two results on the road as well then you'll have a good season, and we want to finish in the top 10."

12-22-2007, 12:26 AM	#13 (permalink)
Oscar Cardozo Soccer Forums Rookie Offline Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: California Posts: 54,038 vCash: 294 Rep Points: 985	Birmingham boss Alex McLeish: "Bolton have got a lot of good players in their team. They can mix it and can play football as well. "They have some pretty good assets up front, not forgetting the speed and technique of Anelka. "He has been around for a long time. He has had many clubs and has played for his country. He is a top player. He will beat most people in a sprint."

12-22-2007, 12:27 AM	#14 (permalink)
Oscar Cardozo Soccer Forums Rookie Offline Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: California Posts: 54,038 vCash: 294 Rep Points: 985	Two clubs positioned just above the danger line with different managers since the start of the season meet at the Reebok; victory for Bolton will see them leapfrogging Birmingham and could consign their Midlands' opponents to the relegation zone for the first time this season in an established Premier League table.

12-22-2007, 12:27 AM	#15 (permalink)
Oscar Cardozo Soccer Forums Rookie Offline Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: California Posts: 54,038 vCash: 294 Rep Points: 985	Both these sides have scored 18 Premier League goals and conceded 27, but Birmingham are two points above the trap door, and Bolton only one.

12-22-2007, 12:27 AM	#16 (permalink)
Oscar Cardozo Soccer Forums Rookie Offline Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: California Posts: 54,038 vCash: 294 Rep Points: 985	Bolton have not lost a home league game since the arrival of Gary Megson; Birmingham have won one, drawn one and lost one of their three league games since Alex McLeish took over, and are vying for a 700th victory in top-flight football.

12-22-2007, 12:27 AM	#17 (permalink)
Oscar Cardozo Soccer Forums Rookie Offline Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: California Posts: 54,038 vCash: 294 Rep Points: 985	The Brummies claimed their first home win of the season in the reverse fixture in September, and are now intending to complete the double over Bolton for the second time in the Premier League.

12-22-2007, 12:28 AM	#18 (permalink)
Oscar Cardozo Soccer Forums Rookie Offline Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: California Posts: 54,038 vCash: 294 Rep Points: 985	BOLTON WANDERERS Highest achievable after Saturday's matches: 14th Lowest could fall: 19th

12-22-2007, 12:28 AM	#19 (permalink)
Oscar Cardozo Soccer Forums Rookie Offline Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: California Posts: 54,038 vCash: 294 Rep Points: 985	1. The last four Premier League matches have resulted in: win - loss - win - loss, in that order.

12-22-2007, 12:28 AM	#20 (permalink)
Oscar Cardozo Soccer Forums Rookie Offline Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: California Posts: 54,038 vCash: 294 Rep Points: 985	2. The current tally of 14 points after 17 games is their lowest return to this stage in five seasons.

12-22-2007, 12:28 AM	#21 (permalink)
Oscar Cardozo Soccer Forums Rookie Offline Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: California Posts: 54,038 vCash: 294 Rep Points: 985	3. Out to add to their 100 Premier League wins.

12-22-2007, 12:28 AM	#22 (permalink)
Oscar Cardozo Soccer Forums Rookie Offline Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: California Posts: 54,038 vCash: 294 Rep Points: 985	4. Won two, drawn three and lost two Premier League matches under Megson.

12-22-2007, 12:28 AM	#23 (permalink)
Oscar Cardozo Soccer Forums Rookie Offline Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: California Posts: 54,038 vCash: 294 Rep Points: 985	5. It's over a year since they last beat a Midlands' club in the Premier League; that being Aston Villa, 0-1 away, on 16 December 2006.

12-22-2007, 12:28 AM	#24 (permalink)
Oscar Cardozo Soccer Forums Rookie Offline Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: California Posts: 54,038 vCash: 294 Rep Points: 985	6. All three league victories have been secured at the Reebok; v Reading on 25 August, and in the two most recent home games, v Manchester United on 24 November and Wigan on 9 December.

12-22-2007, 12:28 AM	#25 (permalink)
Oscar Cardozo Soccer Forums Rookie Offline Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: California Posts: 54,038 vCash: 294 Rep Points: 985	7. Undefeated in four home league matches; won two and drawn two since losing 0-1 to Chelsea on 7 October.

12-22-2007, 12:28 AM	#26 (permalink)
Oscar Cardozo Soccer Forums Rookie Offline Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: California Posts: 54,038 vCash: 294 Rep Points: 985	8. Not won three consecutive home league games in 17 outings since defeating West Ham, Newcastle and Portsmouth in their last three at the Reebok in 2006.

12-22-2007, 12:29 AM	#27 (permalink)
Oscar Cardozo Soccer Forums Rookie Offline Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: California Posts: 54,038 vCash: 294 Rep Points: 985	9. Visit Everton on Boxing Day and Sunderland three days later, and host Derby on 2 January.

12-22-2007, 12:29 AM	#28 (permalink)
Oscar Cardozo Soccer Forums Rookie Offline Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: California Posts: 54,038 vCash: 294 Rep Points: 985	BIRMINGHAM CITY Highest realistically achievable after Saturday's matches: 13th Lowest could fall: 19th

12-22-2007, 12:29 AM	#29 (permalink)
Oscar Cardozo Soccer Forums Rookie Offline Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: California Posts: 54,038 vCash: 294 Rep Points: 985	1. Won two of 12 in all competitions, and lost eight of the last 11.