Bolton Wanderers V Wigan Athletic Betting: Saturday, 13th March

Bolton Wanderers V Wigan Athletic

Saturday, 13^th March – 15:00 GMT

Bolton Wanderers

League Position: 14th

Recent Form: DLWWL

Bolton fans thought on-pitch matters were on the up after their weekend heroics at Upton Park, beating one of their relegation rivals 2-1 in West Ham United. However, their fightback was brief, just three days in fact as they were thumped 4-0 at The Stadium of Light by a Sunderland side which hadn’t won in fourteen beforehand, which just puts it into perspective just how topsy-turvy Bolton have been this season, while the fact remains that Bolton are still struggling in their battle to fend off relegation.

The defeat to Sunderland on Tuesday night was Bolton’s fourteenth of the season and their ninth away from home. However, they now return home where their fortunes have faired slightly better, with Bolton losing on four less occasions than on the road, whilst they’ve picked up five more points at home than away. Moreover, while defeat in their very last outing will hurt, and ended a two match winning run in the league, Bolton should still have some ounce of confidence left after victory in their very last appearance at The Reebok when beating Wolves 1-0. 

Bolton were very fortunate in that 1-0 win at home to Wolves, with their opponents hitting the woodwork several times, while they started brightly at Sunderland but faded dismally in the end. That’s a worry for Owen Coyle as his lads quickly became deflated despite the minuscule chance of a possible comeback. The way Bolton just rolled over once Sunderland grabbed their second was alarming and does beg the question; how would they react to going behind this Saturday? Well, the statistics say not very well, with Bolton managing to claw back a deficit on just one occasion this season in eleven attempts. 

In a fixture both sides must win, although the pressure to attain all three points will firmly rest upon the shoulders of the home side, Bolton, the first goal could be crucial, especially for Bolton as they simply don’t do comebacks. However, there are concerns over Bolton’s striking capabilities with Owen Coyle’s men only managing two goals in their last four home fixtures at The Reebok, while they’ve failed to even find the net in two of their previous four at home, so you’ll be forgiven for doubting Bolton’s chances on Saturday despite this being a cushy home fixture in reality.

Wigan Athletic

League Position: 15th

Recent Form: DDLLW

Wigan gave their survival hopes a huge boost after earning a stunning victory at home to Liverpool on Monday night. While Liverpool hadn’t exactly been excelling of late, the win was nevertheless mighty impressive and Roberto Martinez will now hold out hopes of that buoyant victory being the catalyst of a ig push further up the table, with those vital three points on Monday night lifting the club four points clear of the relegation zone and into a more healthy 14^th position.

While we wouldn’t go as far as to say Wigan were outstanding on Monday, they were so much better than the tripe we’ve been used to seeing from the Latics in recent weeks. That hunger and desired that appeared lacking in this group of Wigan players was alive and well as Wigan outfought their more prestigious opponents in a game very few gave them a chance in. Huge Rodellega, whom has previously gone nine games without a goal, scored Wigan’s one and only goal, the eventual match winner, and that’s now the sixth time Rodellega has scored in a match Wigan have won, which is a mean statistic considering Wigan have only won seven games all season.

The general rule of thumb seems to be, if Rodellega scores, Wigan win. That is something worth bring in mind, especially for all you in-play betters as should Hugo open the scoring for Wigan on Saturday then a victory should, in theory anyway, be in the offing. However, it’s also worth baring in mind that Wigan have only won three times away from home this season, while they’ve won just one of their last nine away fixtures, which speaks volumes about why Wigan are in such a precarious league position. Their win over last seasons league runners-up should spur them on though, or at least raise the confidence levels of the players, so a big effort is to be expected in a game where they have every chance of grabbing that elusive first away win in four games.

Match Verdict: Wigan Athletic to WIN – 3.80 PaddyPower

Call me audacious, but I feel Wigan are value to sneak their first away in their fifth attempt at Bolton’s expense. Bolton, despite boasting home advantage, will be reeling after their 4-0 spanking at the hands of Sunderland in a game they started brightly but faded rapidly in. Wigan, however, were impressive from start to finish against Liverpool and should be buoyed by that result. Of course, you would have to make Bolton the favourites in this fixture, but I wouldn’t be comfortably backing them at a shade over evens and instead the preference is for Wigan to claim all three points at a far more attractive price, although this is a fixture we would steer well clear of if given half the chance.

Match Odds:

Bolton Wanderers – 2.10 Bet365

Draw – 3.40 Boylesports

Wigan Athletic – 3.80 PaddyPower

SoccerBetting Value Pick: Wigan to score first – 2.40 VCbet