Premier League preview: Manchester United v Bolton

Manchester United welcome lowly Bolton to Old Trafford as they aim to return to winning ways in the Premier League.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s men have suffered consecutive league defeats – at the hands of Blackburn and Newcastle United respectively – to slip three points behind fierce rivals Manchester City.

But after managing a 3-2 win against City in the FA Cup on Sunday, United will hope the losses in the league are minor setbacks.

They welcome Owen Coyle’s men, who are in the relegation zone, to Old Trafford, ahead of what could be a challenging run.

Following their clash with Bolton, United’s next four league games are against Arsenal, Stoke City, Chelsea and Liverpool.

United striker Wayne Rooney has scored 13 league goals, but was fined after turning up for training worse for wear following a Boxing Day night out.

Ferguson will be hoping the England star can regain the form he had at the start of the season, when he dominated up front.

Dimitar Berbatov (six goals) has stood up when Rooney has struggled, but Ferguson has had no such luxuries in the centre of midfield, forced to bring back veteran Paul Scholes.

The 37-year-old returned for the win over City and is set to see out the season, although he may not yet be ready for a start.

United could also be boosted by the returns of Rio Ferdinand, Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and possibly Jonny Evans.

Playing at Old Trafford has troubled Bolton, who are winless at the ground since 2002.

Croatian striker Ivan Klasnic (seven goals and four assists) has starred for Bolton this season, and he will need to be at his best if they are to get anything from a clash with United.

Bolton, who will host Liverpool and Arsenal after meeting United, could regain goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen.

Coyle may also retain the services of defender Gary Cahill, who is yet to complete a move to Chelsea.

American midfielder Stuart Holden has been missed through injury, Marcos Alonso is expected to be absent again, while Tyrone Mears and Lee Chung-Yong are both on the mend from broken legs.

A win would see Bolton out of the relegation zone, but title contenders United also need a victory to stay within touch of first-placed Manchester City.