Bolton bid for opening win

'Exciting' outfit
Bolton manager Sam Allardyce is eager for his side to win in front of a strong home crowd, but does not expect an easy night against opponents from the Russian Premier-Liga. "What we do know about Russian football is that it is very exciting," said Allardyce. "An awful lot of money has been pumped into it in the last few years.

Growing reputation
"Russian teams have done well in Europe during this time and there has been a foreign influx. It means the league is growing. I don't expect an easy game. We have to make sure we cope with what they throw at us. It is an ideal opportunity for us at home to secure three points. That would go 50 per cent of the way to us securing our place in the final 32."

Pedersen worry
Allardyce is expected to include Greece winger Stylianos Giannakopoulos, who was rested for Saturday's English Premiership victory at Charlton Athletic FC, though Henrik Pedersen's achilles injury makes him a doubt, and Iván Campo and Nicky Hunt are definitely out. Jay-Jay Okocha may also start after overcoming a groin problem.

Captain suspended
Zenit are two points above their hosts having begun with a 2-1 win against Vitória SC, but they will be without captain Vladislav Radimov who was sent off on Matchday 1.

Injury problems
Zenit's plans are further complicated by the loss of Olexandr Spivak and Jan Flachbart, while midfielder Radek Šírl and defenders Ivica Križanac and Pavel Mareš are sidelined for lengthy spells. As a result, Martin Škrtel and Milan Vještica should start at the back, with Olexandr Gorshkov and Velice Sumulikoski deputising for Radimov and Spivak.