Arsenal vs. Bolton: Preview and Predictions for the Premier League Clash

Usually when Arsenal play Bolton at the Emirates, it's not a very big ordeal. Arsenal are always clear favourites, and usually rack up quite a few goals against the Wanderers.

But this is a different case. After Arsenal's decline, dating all the way back to their Carling Cup final defeat last February, every match seems to be a challenge for the Gunners. Wenger has led them to an extremely poor start to the season, they're worst in 58 years. Arsenal now find themselves in 17th place hovering above the relegation zone, with a goal difference of minus-eight, the worst in the league.

Arsenal fans were relieved that their side could at least beat League Two outfit Shrewsbury in the Carling Cup, so hopefully that win will help Arsenal bounce back from a string of devastating defeats.

The match against Bolton at the Emirates will be a very big test for the Gunners. For Arsene Wenger, getting a win against the Wanderers is an essential part to ensure his job isn't under question. The Arsenal board has backed up the Frenchman, but eventually enough is enough and if this poor form continues Wenger won't be able to ride on his victories of the past anymore.

Every match is a must-win, but for a side under as much pressure as Arsenal is, the match against Bolton is especially crucial. If the Gunners want to even finish in the top six, let alone the top four, they need to start winning against (currently) weak sides like Bolton at the Emirates. 

Not only do Arsenal need a win to pick their spirits up and get them back on track, but in terms of the numbers Arsenal desperately need to bag the three points. Those points could put them back in mid table—not ideal, but it's a start.

Anyways, let's get to the nitty gritty of this clash. 

Against Blackburn, Arsenal's attack was looking, well, nothing short of brilliant. Many may think that's an over statement, but new signings Arteta and Gervinho are making sure Arsenal's previous lack of creativity is long gone. Arteta is playing the best football of his career, being Arsenal's main playmaker in central midfield, while Gervinho is giving Arsenal better wing play than they've had for a while.

In total, the Gunners attack notched up three goals, each one a result of some classic Arsenal passing moves.

But as we all know, those three goals weren't enough to compensate for the North London outfit's dreadful defending. Two own goals—yes, two own goals—meant Arsenal's defense once again let them down.

Koscielny looked way too much like his old self, while Mertesacker didn't seem to make the difference he was supposed to make. Sure, he won quite a few aerial battles, but his current performances simply aren't good enough, and I'm just praying it's because he hasn't fully gelled with the squad.

In order to win against Bolton, Mertesacker and Koscielny will need to be solid, or at least somewhat solid. This time, no own goals please.

That pair will surely be starting in the center of defense, and on either side of them should be Bacary Sagna and Andre Santos. Sagna will continue to show he's one of, if not the only reliable defender in Arsenal's back four, while Santos will be looking to prove himself as Arsenal's first choice left back and as a solid defender.

Starting in goal will, of course, be Wojciech Szczesny. I've already heaped tons of praise upon him in other articles, so I'll keep this brief in fear of going over the top. Szczesny has gone from being a nervy young keeper to the solution of Arsenal's goalkeeper crisis. When he's at his best, it's quite difficult to see any shot getting past the Polish international. In my opinion he's been Arsenal's best performer this season, so let's hope he keeps it up.

Now we're up to central midfield, a place where Wenger has an easy task picking the three starters. Arsenal surprisingly played a 4-4-2 against Shrewsbury, but I doubt Wenger will revert away from his beloved 4-3-3 against Bolton.

Alex Song will start at defensive midfielder, and should continue to be as impressive as he's been so far this season. He's as a solid a a defensive midfielder gets, but has a surprisingly good eye for passing, with a superb assist for Gervinho's goal against Blackburn.

The two attacking midfielders should be Mikel Arteta and Aaron Ramsey. Arteta's been impressive in his quest to fill the Fabregas void, providing Arsenal's main attacking spark in midfield. On the other hand, Ramsey is yet to find the form he did at the end of last season, and although he's been fair so far in 2011-12 he really hasn't stood out.

The wingers will be a more difficult selection, with Gervinho sure to start on the left wing but Arshavin and Walcott to fight it out for the right wing spot. Walcott seems to be the preferred option, but surprisingly Arshavin got the nod last week, so it's possible that the Russian has been impressive in recent training sessions. It was actually a good call by Wenger, as Arshavin was playing better than usual and Walcott served as a superb impact sub later in the match.

For the final decision, I think Walcott will be starting on the right wing against Bolton, with Arshavin possibly coming in later. Also, don't be surprised to see Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain or even Ryo Miyaichi getting some playing time at the Emirates. Chamberlain was Arsenal's best performer against Shrewsbury, and could be rewarded with some minutes in a Premiership match.

At center forward, as always, will be Robin Van Persie. The prolific goalscorer has netted a respectable three goals so far this season, and is always a favourite to score in any given match that the Dutchman is playing in. Van Persie will be looking to prove he should stay captain instead of Mikel Arteta, and will also be giving his all in order to score some goals and pick up his incredible form from last season.

Hopefully this match won't be too tough for Arsenal. Bolton have had a horrendous start to the season, and will be seeking a win in order to propel themselves out of the relegation zone. But at the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal really should be able to pick up a much needed three points.

Final Prediction: Arsenal 3-1 Bolton