Bolton manager Gary Megson believes Carlo Ancelotti can lead Chelsea to the Barclays Premier League title this season.

Bolton face Chelsea both home and away in a cup and league double-header over the next four days, starting with tonight's Carling Cup fourth-round tie at Stamford Bridge.

It is then Wanderers' turn to play host on Saturday for a league encounter with Ancelotti's team, who are currently top of the table after 10 games.

The Italian has barely put a foot wrong since his arrival from AC Milan during the summer and Megson for one has been impressed with what he has seen.

Asked whether he thought Ancelotti was equipped to make Chelsea champions in his first year in charge, Megson said: "I do - so far we are a quarter of the way through the season and they are looking very strong defensively, they are scoring goals and they have a huge squad of talented players.

"The manager himself has been really impressive.
He has come in and he hasn't changed a huge amount other than the formation a little bit.

"But I think the thing that is most impressive
about him is the way he has conducted himself.

"He is probably the most decorated manager in terms of when he was a player and he has won the European Cup with the same team (Milan), yet he's not shouting from the rooftops about how wonderful he is.

"He doesn't seem to have an opinion on absolutely everything, and there are a few in the Premier League who have. I think he's a real class act and good luck to him."

On paper tonight's clash may look like the ideal warm-up for both sides for the weekend's game at the Reebok Stadium, but Megson said neither he nor Ancelotti would be viewing it like that.

"It won't make any difference at all - it is not part of that preparation and it will have absolutely no bearing on the game on Saturday," Megson continued.

"I think if either team was using this as preparation it would demean the Carling Cup a little bit.

"We want to go through, make no mistake about it, and I know Carlo will want to go through.

"Regardless of them wanting to win the Champions League, the Premier League and the FA Cup, they will want to win this one as well - maybe not with the same priority as the other three but they will want to win it, I can assure you."