Is it too early to rule Chelsea out of the Premier League title race? Possibly, given the nature of division, but with the Blues six points off the top having played a game more than league leaders Manchester United and showing no signs of exiting their mid-season slump things do not look rosey for the current title holders.
Monday's 3-1 defeat at Arsenal exposed more flaws in Carlo Ancelotti's side, mainly a seeming lack of belief that they can challenge for honours this term, even with stars Frank Lampard and John Terry back in the team. Anything other than a win against Bolton on Wednesday and it's curtains for the Blues', and probably Ancelotti's, Chelsea career.
At the trot
In contrast, confidence could not be higher at the Reebok Stadium where a bullish Bolton side sit sixth in the Premier League table and have the chance to leapfrog their hosts on Wednesday with a win at Stamford Bridge.
Owen Coyle's men have been impressing with an approach that has blended style and effort with a host of relative unknowns leading the way for the Trotters. Players like Stuart Holden received little coverage at the start of the season but the American has been a revelation under the wily Scot this term.
If belief was measured in points, Bolton would be above Chelsea in the table and come Thursday morning they could well be.
TEAM NEWS
Chelsea
After missing out against Arsenal through injury, Nicolas Anelka could be reinstated to the Chelsea starting line-up, with Salomon Kalou failing to take his opportunity at the Emirates.
Meanwhile, the Blues are still missing Alex, Yury Zhirkov and Yossi Benayoun, who all still have long term concerns, but Jose Bosingwa is expected to start after a substitute's appearance against Arsenal.
Possible starting XI: Cech; Bosingwa, Ivanovic, Terry, Cole; Essien, Mikel, Lampard; Anelka, Drogba, Malouda.
Bolton
The Trotters will have to make do without Chung-Yong Lee who is now unavailable for a few weeks while representing South Korea in the Asian Cup.
Joey O'Brien, Sean Davis, Ricardo Gardner and Jlloyd Samuel continue to be long term injury victims.
Possible starting XI: Jaaskelainen; Ricketts, Cahill, Knight, Robinson; Petrov, Muamba, Holden, Taylor; K Davies, Elmander.
Prediction
Last seaon this would have been a straightforward home win, but on current form that almost seems like the least likely option. Bolton's away form leaves a lot to be desired but Chelsea's form anywhere is remarkably poor. Expect a draw.
Chelsea 0-0 Bolton 
