By Chris Kirwan
March 4 2003

The Blues have a trip to the Reebok on Tuesday, and hopes will be high that they can build on the 3 points won against Sunderland. I know this preview is a bit early, but this weekend has been incredibly dull with Everton out of action courtesy of Nigel Jemson. The FA Cup isn’t helped by the number of dull fixtures such as Fulham against Charlton, and when the best upset is First Division Watford beating First Division standard West Brom you know they are struggling. And to cap it all Match of the Day proves how far behind Sky, and even ITV, they are with a programme featuring the woeful Redknapp, Stubbs, and Lawrenson. To make Andy Townsend and Robbie Earle look perceptive was a remarkable feat.

But now the attention returns to the Premiership, and the game at the Reebok. Bolton, like Everton, had the weekend off after being knocked out by Sunderland and will be looking to pull away from the relegation dogfight. The pundits always say that when you’re down there you’ve got to win your home games, so the Blues will be in for a tough game.

Last year the Blues almost came away with the 3 points but Michael Ricketts got an equaliser late in injury time. The game was memorable for a great second half performance by Paul Gascoigne, who scored a cracking goal. Moyes will be hoping that his team will finish off the job this time, and will be keen to rectify the farce at Goodison when Rooney tormented Bolton all game long only for them to escape with a point. While he is Rooney-less once more he will be hoping for Brian McBride to add to his tally, and for Radzinski to give the big-haired Campo the Rooney treatment.

It will be interesting to see whom Moyes selects in midfield. I believe that Li Tie and Gravesen do not operate well together in midfield, and Gemmill has been playing excellently in recent weeks so it should be a choice between the two. Li Tie was poor in the first half against Sunderland, and the team improved when Gravesen replaced him at half time. Away from home the Blues often need the outlet of Gravesen, who can hold onto possession well, but sometimes the Dane loses the plot and as a result the team lacks shape. But with the added security of Watson and Pembridge in the side I’d go for Gravesen. It will also interesting to see if there is a place on the bench for Leon Osman, who must have impressed Moyes with his hat-trick for the reserves against Man Utd.

The Blues are no longer a soft touch away from home, and if they are to maintain their excellent league position they have to win at places like Bolton. The Trotters are suspect at the back, but by all accounts were unlucky to leave St James’ without any reward in their last league fixture. It won’t be easy, but if the Blues can prevent the likes of Djorkaeff and Okacha from getting time on the ball they will get a hold of the game and a great chance of victory.