EPL Preview: Predicting the Arsenal Starting XI vs. Bolton

Arsenal encounter Bolton at the Emirates as the Gunners attempt to diminish a traumatic start to their 2011/2012 Premier League campaign. Arsene Wenger's men boast a mere win from the opening four matches, which included a recent 4-3 loss to Blackburn and an 8-2 humiliation by reigning Premier League champions Manchester United.

The pressure has been heavily enforced on Arsenal to secure a victory as they aim to regain their place in the Premier League's top four. The North London giants were able to advance to the fourth round of the Carling Cup on Tuesday with a 3-1 win over League Two outfit Shrewsbury Town; however, the Gunners face a much tougher task against a strong Bolton line up.

Owen Coyle's men are also struggling for form too, however, with the Trotters enduring four consecutive losses since their 4-0 win over QPR on the opening weekend. Bolton also enjoyed midweek Carling Cup success beating Aston Villa 2-0.

The Gunners will be eager to eradicate the lingering and intensifying pressure and with the squad further adapted after the influx of deadline day arrivals, one can naturally expect a strong performance from Wenger's young squad.

Arsenal were by no means particularly poor against Blackburn with the North London giants enjoying an impressive first half; however, their poor defending and lapses in concentration cost the Gunners dearly. Bolton will not possess the physical tenacity of Rovers but it will nonetheless be a tough game for Arsenal.

BleacherReport predicts Arsene Wenger's starting XI.

Goalkeeper

Wojciech Szczesny has been a strong presence for the Gunners since the season commenced but was considerably let down by his defenders against Blackburn. The Polish shotstopper will return to the lineup after being rested for the Carling Cup whilst Lukasz Fabianski returns to the bench.

Italian youngster Vito Mannone is awaiting clearance for a loan spell whilst veteran Manuel Almunia will continue to remain in limbo over his future.

Defenders

Defensive leader Thomas Vermaelen is still nursing an ankle problem following surgery last month and is not expected to return until November. Imposing Swiss Johan Djourou captained the Gunners in the Carling Cup but is expected to return to the bench for the Bolton clash. This ensures German giant Per Mertesacker and Frenchman Laruent Koscielny will partner one another in the centre defence despite their frail performances against Blackburn.

Renowned Frenchman Bacary Sagna will continue at right back whilst teenage deputy Carl Jenkinson, who impressed against Shrewsbury Town, will make the bench. Left back Kieran Gibbs is expected to be rested following his strong performance in the Carling Cup ensuring Brazil international Andre Santos will start for his second Premier League appearance.

Teenager Ignasi Miguel and veteran Sebastien Squillaci are unlikely to feature.

Midfielders

Arsene Wenger will be able to produce a relatively full strength midfield bar the absences of England international Jack Wilshere and imposing Frenchman Abou Diaby. The duo, who are both nursing ankle injuries, are expected to return in November.

Cameroon defensive midfielder Alexandre Song will start in the defensive midfield role whilst Spanish playmaker Mikel Arteta will take on the attacking duties beside Wales captain Aaron Ramsey. Exciting teenager Emmanuel Frimpong is expected to make the bench ahead of fellow promising youngster Francis Coquelin.

Czech playmaker Tomas Rosicky missed the Shrewsbury Town encounter with a knee injury and is expected to miss the Bolton encounter whilst teenager Oguzhan Ozyakup, who made his Arsenal debut in the Carling Cup, will not feature.

Forwards

England international Theo Walcott is expected to return to the Arsenal starting XI on the right wing whilst Ivorian Gervinho, who has impressed since his summer arrival from French champions OSC Lille, will start on the left wing.

As always Arsenal captain Robin van Persie will lead the Arsenal front line as the lone striker. Teenage sensation Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who enjoyed a huge performance in the Carling Cup, is likely to be selected on the bench with Russian dynamo Andrei Arshavin and Moroccan forward Marouane Chamakh.

Israel captain Yossi Benayoun picked up a knee complaint against Shrewsbury Town and will miss the clash whilst Ryo Miyaichi and Chu-Young Park are likely to miss the encounter.

Substitutes

With seven places on Wenger's bench, Lukasz Fabianski is set to be the deputy keeper with Carl Jenkinson and Johan Djourou the emergency defenders. Emmanuel Frimpong, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Marouane Chamakh and Andrei Arshavin are set to be the impact attackers and midfielders.

This is a tough match for the Gunners and one in which a win is vital. Who knows what another loss could signify for Arsene Wenger.