Megson has plenty of options

Posted Saturday, October 31, 2009 by PA

Gary Megson has an almost fully fit squad to pick from for the visit of Chelsea in the Barclays Premier League.

Striker Johan Elmander made his return to first-team action after a hamstring injury when he came off the bench against Chelsea in the Carling Cup tie between the two teams on Wednesday night.

Only long-term absentees Joey O'Brien and Sean Davis, who both have knee problems, remain on the sidelines.

Wednesday night's heavy defeat brought Bolton crashing back down to earth after a series of impressive results had seen them lose only once in seven games.

Their attacking play has come in for particular praise in recent weeks, but Megson remains concerned about his defence and is looking for the back-line to tighten up with immediate effect.

"The thing that has disappointed me is the amount of goals we have been shipping," Megson said.

"Even in the last three Premier League games we have needed to score three goals to win the game, and you are not going to be able to keep doing that.

"We have got individuals that can do a lot better and we have to be better as a unit as well."

Chelsea have doubts about striker Salomon Kalou and defender Branislav Ivanovic.

Both will undergo late fitness tests after collecting minor knocks in the Carling Cup win over Wanderers in midweek.

But Ashley Cole (ankle), Jose Bosingwa (knee), Yury Zhirkov (knee), John Mikel Obi (knee) and Hilario (concussion) are all out.

However, Chelsea welcome back John Terry, Ricardo Carvalho, Nicolas Anelka, Michael Essien and Frank Lampard. They were all rested in midweek.

Carlo Ancelotti insists he still has belief in his system as league leaders Chelsea look to end their poor form away from home.

The Blues have turned Stamford Bridge into a fortress this season, with just one goal conceded since the opening day of the campaign.

In the last three games on their home turf, Chelsea have scored 13 goals without reply - but they are suffering on their travels, where they have lost their last two games.

Defeats at Wigan and Aston Villa temporarily blighted their good start under Ancelotti but victories over Atletico Madrid, Blackburn and Bolton at home have restored confidence in the Italian coach's `diamond' formation.

Their 4-0 victory over Wanderers on Wednesday night was achieved without numerous first-team regulars.

They will all return against the same opposition for a game that will once more test Chelsea's character and Ancelotti's system away from home.

"We want to maintain the same system," said Ancelotti. "I said before that for this season, we follow this way at home and away.

"The last two matches away were not good for us, but we don't want to change because of that. I think this system is very good away from home.

"Saturday will be a different game to the game in the Carling Cup. I think that Bolton can play different, but we want to play at the same level.

"We will pay attention to their quality, but we will put our best qualities on the pitch.

"Bolton will want to change something from Wednesday. We want to play the same, because we played well. We stayed compact over the 90 minutes, which is important against Bolton.

"To win this Premier League is a very long race. If it's possible to maintain being top of the table, as we are, then that's good.

"It means we've started the season well. But the race is very long and will only finish at the end of the season."