The Gunners had appeared to be turning a corner after their well-
documented problems at the start of the season, having followed
up a 1-0 victory over Swansea with a creditable 1-1 draw against
Borussia Dortmund in Europe.
However, they suffered an agonising setback last weekend with a
4-3 defeat to struggling Blackburn, leading to renewed scrutiny
over the future of Arsene Wenger.
The beleaguered boss received support from chief executive Ivan
Gazidis and stated after Tuesday's nervy Carling Cup victory over
Shrewsbury that he would be happy to stay at the club for
'another 14 years'.
Results will have to improve quickly, though, and Arsenal will be
determined to start pulling away from their current position of
17th in the Premier League when Bolton visit the Emirates
Stadium.
Wenger is still without a number of key players due to injury,
including Jack Wilshere and Abou Diaby, while he is likely to recall
a host of senior players after making changes for the game with
Shrewsbury.
It is the make-up of his defence that will be causing Wenger's
biggest headache, especially with Thomas Vermaelen still
sidelined following ankle surgery, as there was little sign against
Blackburn that his new-look back four will be any more solid than
previous incarnations.
Andre Santos may be replaced at left-back by Kieran Gibbs but Per
Mertesacker is likely to stay in the side despite an unconvincing
performance at Ewood Park.
Wenger moved for the German after having a bid rejected for
Gary Cahill before the transfer deadline, and there will be an
opportunity to compare and contrast the two players on
Saturday.
Arsenal's pursuit of Cahill sparked some verbal sparring between
Wenger and Owen Coyle, but the Bolton manager has been
fulsome in his praise for the long-serving Frenchman this week.
Bolton news
Coyle has come under some pressure himself following four

POSSIBLE LINE UP:ARSENAL Szczesny Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Santos Song, Arteta Walcott, Ramsey, Gervinho Van Persie BOLTON Jaaskelainen Robinson, Knight, Cahill, Boyata Eagles, Muamba, Reo-Coker, Petrov Tuncay, Davies After resting key players for the midweek League Cup fixture with Shrewbury Town, Arsene Wenger will undoubtedly return to full strength for the visit of Bolton. Thomas Vermaelen and Jack Wilshere remain long-term absentees, while Yossi Benayoun has picked up a strain that will leave him on the sidelines for a couple of weeks. Bacary Sanga and Andre Santo

go gunners, we're behind, no shaking. Ok let me be honest, almost no shaking