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This is an archive article published on September 18, 2004

Ljungberg back as Gunners target bogey team

ARSENAL v BOLTON WANDERERSArsenal8217;s unbeaten league record extends to 45 games before they face Sam Allardyce8217;s Bolton, riding hig...

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ARSENAL v BOLTON WANDERERS

Arsenal8217;s unbeaten league record extends to 45 games before they face Sam Allardyce8217;s Bolton, riding high in third place and well aware they are a bogey team for Arsene Wenger8217;s side. Bolton dealt Arsenal8217;s title hopes a fatal blow two seasons ago in a 2-2 draw at the Reebok Stadium which the hosts could easily have won.

Looking ahead to Saturday8217;s early kick-off, Allardyce told the club8217;s website: 8216;8216;We must nullify their strengths, which we have done in the past, and try to expose their weaknesses whenever we get the opportunities. We must put a needle of doubt into them and try to get that little bit of doubt into their bodies because, at the end of the day, they are only human and human beings under the right pressure will make mistakes.8217;8217;

Arsenal made few mistakes in their 1-0 victory over PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League on Tuesday, but showed little of their usual swashbuckling, attacking style at Highbury.

Midfielder Fredrik Ljungberg, who missed Tuesday8217;s game with a back problem, should return to the right flank, allowing Robert Pires to take up his usual slot on the left.

BIRMINGHAM CITY v CHARLTON ATHLETIC

Birmingham may without striker Mikael Forssell after the Finn aggravated a knee injury. Clinton Morrison or Stern John are likely to partner Emile Heskey up front as the Blues look to bounce back after losing their last two matches.

BLACKBURN ROVERS v PORTSMOUTH

Blackburn, still chasing their first league win of the season, have Wales manager Mark Hughes in charge for the first time while Portsmouth will be without Dutch defender Arjan De Zeeuw. Luckily, Congo forward Lomana Lua Lua has recovered from a groin injury and should feature at some stage.

CRYSTAL PALACE v MANCHESTER CITY

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Manchester City boss Kevin Keegan8217;s job could be on the line unless his team get their second win of the season at Selhurst Park. Promoted Palace prop up the league with only the point from their opening day draw with Norwich City to their name.

NORWICH CITY v ASTON VILLA

Norwich have yet to win back in the top flight and may find David O8217;Leary8217;s well-organised Villa side too tough a barrier to overcome. Villa had a blow in midweek when a scan revealed that Danish defender Martin Laursen needs an operation on his knee and could be out for a couple of months.

WEST BROMWICH ALBION v FULHAM

West Bromwich Albion have yet to record a win this season but Fulham will have to pick themselves up after the disappointment of their 3-0 defeat to Arsenal last week.

8212; Agencies

 

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