Premier League preview: Bolton v Arsenal

Arsenal must end a three-match English Premier League losing run when they meet Bolton if they are to keep touch with the top four.

Inspired by captain Robin van Persie, who tops the league’s goalscoring with 19, Arsenal sit fifth on the table, but are five points behind fourth-placed Chelsea.

The deficit has come on the back of a disappointing run of defeats at the hands of Fulham, Swansea City and Manchester United.

A trip to the Reebok Stadium to meet Bolton on Wednesday gives them an opportunity to turn their form around.

It will again be left to the inspirational van Persie to lead his team.

The Dutchman has been in career-best form and is netting nearly a goal every league game, and also hit a brace in their come-from-behind 3-2 victory against Aston Villa in the FA Cup fourth round on Sunday.

Arsene Wenger’s men are arguably becoming too reliant on van Persie for goals and to secure points, with no-one else netting regularly.

Winger Theo Walcott has been in good form, but has struck just three league goals this campaign.

Wenger is slowly regaining several first-choice players, however, he is still likely to be without Jack Wilshere, Kieran Gibbs, Carl Jenkinson, Andre Santos and Abou Diaby because of injury.

Strikers Marouane Chamakh and Gervinho are away at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Bolton won last season’s home league fixture against Arsenal and enter this encounter on the back of three consecutive wins in all competitions.

Their last league outing was a surprise 3-1 win over Liverpool, a victory that lifted them out of the relegation zone and a point clear of Blackburn Rovers.

Former Liverpool striker David N’Gog has provided a presence up front, while Chris Eagles and Nigel Reo-Coker have worked hard in midfield.

They have rued their injuries throughout the campaign, with Marcos Alonso, Ricardo Gardner, Lee Chung-Yong, Stuart Holden and Sean Davis all missing.

If they can control van Persie, Bolton are some hope at home, but the forward is in irresistible form.