Sport

Draw will ensure Bolton continue to attack on three fronts

Uefa Cup Group H/Bolton v Sevilla, Reebok Stadium, 7

Stuart James
Wed Dec 14 2005 - 00:00

Uefa Cup Group H/Bolton v Sevilla, Reebok Stadium, 7.45:  When Sam Allardyce describes the prospect of failure in two cup competitions as a "disaster" it is clear ambitions have changed at Bolton.

Not so long ago any match outside of the Premiership was regarded as a distraction and an opportunity to rest first-team players; now, ahead of six days that could define Bolton's season, Allardyce is exhorting his players to pursue success on three fronts.

The first challenge is tonight when Bolton entertain Seville, needing a point to be certain of reaching the last 32 of the Uefa Cup. Next up are Everton on Saturday in the Premiership, before they travel to Wigan for a League Cup quarter-final next Tuesday. That run will test both Bolton's credentials and resources.

"We have got the biggest six days of the season," said Allardyce. "If you had said to me at the start of the season, 'would you see yourself being in three major competitions at this stage of the season', I would have said 'no', but the Premiership form has been so good that it has allowed us to go for all competitions. If we had a disaster of losing out on two of the cup competitions I think that could be very detrimental going into Christmas."

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Though a draw tonight would ensure Bolton qualify for the second phase of the Uefa Cup, a narrow defeat might be enough should Besiktas fail to beat Guimaraes by more than two goals. Seville are already through, though Allardyce refuses to be complacent.

"We haven't lost a Uefa Cup game yet and the last thing we want to do is lose one at home," he said. "We have such a huge record here at the Reebok. Everybody is scared to death to come here. But it could get very edgy if we go into the final throes and it's evenly balanced. A slip-up to cause them to get a goal in front would be devastating."

Qualification would be viewed differently. "It would rank for a right big bottle of champagne and it would have to be Cristal or Dom Perignon because it's that good an achievement," said Allardyce. "To get to the last 32 at the first time of trying makes a major statement around the world of football."

BOLTON WANDERERS (probable, 4-5-1): Jaaskelainen; Hunt, N'Gotty, Ben Haim, Gardner; Diouf, Okocha, Fadiga, Speed, Giannakopoulos; Borgetti.

SEVILLE (probable, 4-4-2): Notario; Crespo, Alfaro, Prieto, Puerta; Jesus Navas, Jordi, Pablo Ruiz, Capel; Kepa, Luis Fabiano.

Referee: M Weiner (Ger).