There are some footballers' names that are perfect for newspaper headlines. Alan Shearer is invariably "Shear Class" or "Sheer Hell" depending on his circumstances, Ian Rush "Rush Job" and so on. What, therefore, will the headlines be tomorrow after the 23-yearold South African international Mark Fish has made his debut for Bolton against Manchester United at Bolton's new stadium? "Battered".
Yet to concede an away goal this season, Alex Ferguson's side would not particularly wish Fish to be the first to find their net. After all, Fish declined the offer of a two-week trial at Old Trafford, the summer before last and joined Lazio instead.
Bolton have paid £2 million for him and Colin Todd spent another £500,000 on Mike Whitlow of Leicester yesterday. Both look certain starters in a rejigged defence. United may have Ole Solksjaer back, with Teddy Sheringham and Ryan Giggs on the bench. A point would put Bolton in good heart for the arrival of Tottenham Hotspur, whom they hammered 6-1 last season, on Tuesday.
Thumped again by Leicester last Saturday, and having been unconvincing against Carlisle in midweek, Gerry Francis needs a big performance from one of his stars against Blackburn today. With Les Ferdinand and Chris Armstrong out, it is time for David Ginola to justify his fee.
Rovers, however, will be confident of a third successive away win even without Kevin Gallacher who has flu.
Leicester City rate their captain Steve Walsh as only 50-50 and there is a further doubt about their goalscorer against Atletico Madrid, Ian Marshall, for their trip to Leeds.
Other European participants appear less troubled injury-wise - Brian Little's major dilemma being whether to start Sasa Curcic against Derby (yet to score away) while Robbie Fowler should be seen at some stage for Liverpool at Southampton, as will Jason McAteer in place of the injured Rob Jones.
Southampton, bottom, need to get going soon and Matthew Le Tissier could spark a revival. If not, the relegation battle is on. Similarly, second bottom Sheffield Wednesday need to beat a relatively buoyant Coventry and it is also imperative that Everton, third bottom, overcome Barnsley.
Nick Barmby has a definite role to play. The Selhurst Park derby should go the way of the "home" side Wimbledon who have Robbie Earle back. Crystal Palace's conquerors last Saturday, Chelsea, begin a demanding week tomorrow at home to Arsenal. Manchester United and Newcastle United come after.
Guardian Service.
