EPL Preview: Predicting the Manchester United Starting XI vs. Bolton

Manchester United are still riding high after what could be a season defining moment, by devastating Arsenal at home two weekends ago 8-2.

The international break may have cooled down the team, but so far that looks unlikely as the majority of the players sent away to represent their respective countries put in excellent performances.

This weekend the focus shifts back to the EPL. United are top of the table by one goal over their neighboring rivals Manchester City.

This weekend's opponent, Bolton Wanderers, have endured a tough run of games. After nearly coming back to draw against Manchester City three weeks ago, they then were dealt a convincing defeat by Liverpool right before the break.

Owen Coyle will be hoping he can change his fortunes when Manchester United come to town but, being realistic, his club will have a daunting task putting the damper on Wayne Rooney or Ashley Young.

Both men have played inspired football for United so far. The Red Devils are usually slower out of the gates, and hit form in early November, but if this is them at about 75 percent then there are few teams that will be capable of knocking them off later on.

Coyle will be hoping that Gary Cahill can be beyond top class at the back, and that Fabrice Muamba can do something to disrupt the forward midfield play of United. If neither of those prove true, it will be a long day at the Reebok for the home team.

GK: David De Gea

Despite early criticism, and taking a few games to settle in, the young Spanish shot stopper looks to be finding his feet for United.

Of course, when your team is capable of giving you a six goal cushion, why even worry. That kind of piece of mind should do a lot to settle any remaining nerves the player has.

Right Back: Chris Smalling

Young Chris Smalling continues to look a player beyond his years. I do not expect Rafael Da Silva to displace him when he returns.

Smalling has been excellent all season since the FA Community Shield, and his ability to go forward and then defend has him shooting up the charts of quality right backs in the league.

He also performed well in his recent England call up, which should motivate him to continue his growth at club level.

CB: Jonny Evans

In the wake of losing both Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand, Jonny Evans has returned to the starting lineup, and put together a run of great performances.

As the veterans continue to work back to fitness, Evans should remain first choice.

CB: Phil Jones

Summer addition Phil Jones has been impressive since joining the Red Devils first team lineup in week two.

His performances have many questioning if Rio Ferdinand will be able to earn his spot back once he is healthy.

Kevin Davies will be a tough opponent for the youngster, as the Bolton veteran has been around the block, and is big and very physical.

LB: Patrice Evra

The one member of the old guard left on the back line at the moment is stand-in captain Patrice Evra.

His play has been spot on, and he has helped to guide the young defenders to some outstanding performances.

Chris Eagles should not trouble him too much this week.

RM: Ashley Young

Ashley Young has been lighting it up since he joined United from Aston Villa, and his latest two goals against Arsenal displayed a class that many feel he may not have ever shown while at the Birmingham club.

Sir Alex Ferguson has his new winger at the top of his game, and it is serving United's hopes of retaining the title in a big way.

He will be a big task for Bolton's full backs to contain.

CM: Anderson

The Brazilian has been top drawer all season long and, despite being a fringe player in the past several seasons, he has truly arrived as a integral part of Ferguson's midfield.

He looks to finally be living up to the potential that saw him praised as the next Paul Scholes back in 2007.

CM: Tom Cleverly

Tom Cleverly has been sensational since returning from his loan spell at Wigan Athletic last season. He is yet another up-and-coming young English player that has benefited immensely from being loaned out in the EPL.

He has taken up shop in the midfield, displacing Michael Carrick and Darren Fletcher, and has already earned an England call up since taking over the midfield at Old Trafford.

LM: Nani

Nani is coming into his own even more this season, as he looks to be hitting his full potential under Sir Alex Ferguson.

Many doubted that he would be able to take over after the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo, but he has been proving his critics wrong all season.

ST: Javier Hernandez

With Danny Welbeck injured, Chicharito looks to have his place back in the first eleven for the moment.

He proved to be part of a deadly duo with Wayne Rooney last season, and after a great summer with Mexico he is now expected to shine once again.

ST: Wayne Rooney

Wayne Rooney is only behind Edin Dzeko in the leading goal scorers chart.  The two Manchester based attackers scored a combined total of seven goals in the last week of play, but Rooney's were the more impressive as they came from distance.

If he can get the service and the space, he will punish Bolton this weekend.

I expect him to get at least one goal at the Reebok.

Conclusions

Manchester United have been a force to be reckoned with all season. The two week international break did nothing but aid them, with five players having great performances for England, and the others in action having good games for their nations as well.

Those that did not travel had time to rest and recover in order to make another push this September. Bolton will be the first test, and Owen Coyle will have his charges ready to go.

However, if United display the form they had in August, they will be more than a match for the Wanderers.

For an additional match preview you can click here, and to you can also check out where the United lads stood in the August Awards and Team of the Month.

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