This is the thread for discussion on the Bolton Wanderers Starting XI, opinions, banter, general chat etc.

RP's "best XI" is a 4-4-2:

Jaaskelainen
Steinsson Cahill Knight Alonso
Lee Muamba S Davis Petrov
K Davies Elmander

Should be a better season for Bolton, I reckon with a few value picks for FF managers. They certainly played better football and kept more clean sheets under Owen Coyle last season than they did under the other managers. Creativity has definitely been added; they'll have a real bargain on their hands with Martin Petrov IF (and it's a big if) he can stay fit and the other winger Lee was starting to look the part last season as well. I won't be surprised to see them go 4-5-1 regularly for away games to bolster the centre of midfield, where they do look a tad weak. I'll be keeping an eye on their young left-back Alonso from Real Madrid. Kevin Davies is nearly always a solid squad pick but how old is he now?

Is it safe to assume Klasnic will displace Elmander sooner rather than later ?

Elmander's been in great form pre-season I think. Worth noting Owen Coyle's still trying to persuade Wenger to let him have young Wilshire back on loan again this season,but I doubt he'll succeed,as I think Wenger plans to use him as a defensive M/F

See Elmander has bagged a few pre-season, how likely is it he will get the games to justify picking him in sun dreamteam??

I'd imagine Davies will always be the main striker so Elmander will be on the bench when Coyle plays 4-5-1 - half the games maybe?

Elsewhere, Coyle says he reckons both Knight and Cahill will be fit for the season opener.

Is Taylor M now definitely down the midfield pecking order? Seems odd as has been their best player at times.

He should be behind Petrov at least.

So, who is this Holden geezer and why did he play when other names were on the bench? Is he a starter or was there reason? I've had look around, I see no answer. Please inform.

..............and what happened to Alonso?

Obviously no Bolton fans here then... no suprise, who'd own up to that.

I am sure that there was one.

Anyway, so, Holden ... is he or isn't he. I say he is. Team out on first day was same as final pre-season. Seems to reason. Though, they do have a couple of options in that midf that could feature and knock out what looks like a starter. Hmmm....

I don't know a lot about Holden other then he is a US International. He was a starter for the US team, but after breaking his leg, lost that opportunity this last world cup. He's just now coming back from that injury and could do very well at Bolton.

Sounds like Coyle has told Sturridge and Chelsea that he is going to play

Elmander getting splinters ? or 4-3-3 ?

Lee's just returned now as well, can't believe they'll play 433, fun if they do.

Goal.com reckon splinters for Elmander

Possible starting XI: Jaaskelainen; Ricketts, Cahill, Wheater, Robinson; M Davies, Muamba, Holden, Taylor; Sturridge, K Davies.

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/match/48964/b ... rs/preview

Guardian are predicting 4-3-3

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011 ... ier-league