City’s golden chance to pile misery on Megson

SUNDAY’S short hop to Bolton Wanderers offers Manchester City the perfect chance to cure their away-day Premier League blues.

Mark Hughes’ side, despite boasting the brilliant Brazilian skills of Robinho and Jo, plus a revitalised Shaun Wright-Phillips, can’t get it together outside the comforts of Eastlands.

Four points from a possible 15 on the road — City’s only success came at Sunderland in September — is a poor return for a team harbouring aspirations of breaking the stranglehold of the big four.

Against Bolton, however, they face a side who seem struck by stagefright every time they walk out in front of their own expectant fans.

Gary Megson’s men have only one win to their name at the Reebok this season.

That was against newly-promoted Stoke City on the opening day. Ten days later, they lost to Northampton Town in the League Cup and results at home haven’t really improved since.

The pressure is steadily building on Megson, who was Bolton’s saviour when they appeared destined for the drop into the Coca-Cola Championship last season.

A last-gasp defeat by Everton on Wednesday night — Marouane Fellaini headed home Steven Pienaar’s cross in the 89th minute — gave some Bolton supporters another chance to air their frustrations towards the former West Brom boss who has seen his side tumble into the bottom three.

Time may be running out for Megson, but at least he can take some comfort from City’s recent record at the Reebok as a reason for optimism, although it doesn’t give fans much hope of wallowing in a Sunday afternoon goalfest.

The last two meetings between the two teams at Bolton have resulted in goalless draws, while the Trotters won 2-0 in the 2005-06 season.

City also enter this weekend’s showdown on the back of a disappointing defeat.

Hughes labelled referee Lee Mason’s performance as “strange” after they slipped to a 2-0 reverse at Middlesbrough on Wednesday.

The Welshman was referring to the official’s decision to award a penalty from which Brazilian striker Afonso Alves put Boro in front.

There is also something curious as to why City ship points on their travels.

But, with Bolton on a slippery slope and Megson admitting they are in deep trouble, few would bet against the Blues helping themselves to three points.