Martin Petrov

It's a big match for the Bulgarian winger against his former club.  He left under a black cloud, and he was not shy about criticizing the weatherman.  Petrov had some problems with injuries while at Eastlands, but he was always impressive when he was able to get on the pitch.  I am sure he is dying to prove a point this Saturday, but it is up to Owen Coyle to decide how Petrov can do so most effectively for the team.

Petrov generally doesn't play 90 minutes.  He has only completed one game in nine starts for Bolton this season.  To be fair he has competed all three that he has started for Bulgaria, so he is certainly fit enough to play the whole match if need be.  Coyle has to make the decision on how to best use Petrov's energy and emotion.  Will he start him, hoping that he can create mayhem straight on from kickoff, or will he save him for the 60th minute, an impact sub in the last half hour of what promises to be a close, hard-fought match.



Personally, I would like to see Petrov start on the right wing.  Let him use his pace, cut inside and shoot with his rifle of a left foot.  Man City will play a conservative 4-5-1, with three holding midfielders, and there will not be a lot of space for Bolton's attackers to operate.  A special bit of creativity, a moment of brilliance from Petrov, could be the difference between the two teams.  I think he scores the winner for Bolton.