After having seen Bolton grab a 4-0 victory over QPR last weekend, the scoreline was not the only impressive thing, but also the way in which they achieved it. Owen Coyle seems to understand that when it comes to playing a passing style of football, it’s not about playing a short or direct passing game, but more about picking the right pass – this will be crucial against City.
The Citizens undoubtedly have more talent in their ranks, however, if Bolton can control the game, like we saw Swansea do for brief spells during their opening fixture against them, then Bolton do have the players to hurt City. The Trotters must be up for this game and the Reebok is not an easy place to go. One man who may not receive a particularly warm reception is Man City’s newest and most expensive signing, Sergio Aguero. The Argentine striker was part of Atletico Madrid’s squad that took on the Trotters in the first leg of their last 16 UEFA Cup tie in February 2008, however, during the game Aguero was given a straight red card for allegedly spitting at Matt Taylor. The fans must surely be hoping that they can get under the Argentine’s skin after having seen him come on in City’s opening game, scoring two goals and getting an assist to his name, all in spectacular fashion.
Despite their impressive opening victory Coyle is still keen to strengthen and is said to be in the market for a striker and a winger. Captain Kevin Davies has come out and said he is sure that strike partner Ivan Klasnic can make up for the goals that will have lost through the departures of Sturridge and Elmander this summer. However, regardless of Klasnic and Davies’ own form, Coyle appears keen to add another striker and out of favour Liverpool forward David N’gog seems to fit the bill. However, it looks as though Bolton are set to miss out on their main wing target, Shaun Wright-Phillips as his high wages provide a stumbling block. It looks as though Coyle will not compromise the wage structure in place at the club, and PSG look set to further their summer spending by swooping for the former Chelsea winger. As a result Coyle looks set to turn his attentions to Rangers youngster Gregg Wylde, although manager Ally McCoist has said himself that he sees a future for the player at the club.
