Burnley V Bolton Wanderers

Saturday 26^th December (Boxing Day) – 14:00 GMT

Burnley

League Position: 14th

Recent Form: LLDDL

Owen Coyle is already eyeing up some new faces in January but must be content with what he has for time being as Burnley head into a pinnacle point of the season. Those with smaller squads, such as Burnley, tend to falter around the Christmas period and it will be interesting to see how Burnley fare, especially in the home encounters as they are the games Burnley simply have to win if they are to stand any chance of avoiding the drop.

First up is a home fixture with Bolton, quickly followed by another potential six point away at Everton, although Everton fans won’t be best pleased with that remark. Still, Burnley will be contesting two matches against teams in close proximity and a pair of wins either side of Christmas would do their cause the world of good.  

Earlier on in the season, a home fixture against struggling Bolton would probably be seen as a home banker, such was the stunning form of Burnley at Turf Moor then. Now, though, Burnley have gone off the rails somewhat and are struggling for wins themselves. A 2-0 defeat at Wolves meant The Clarets have now gone without a win in seven games. A run consisting of three defeats and four draws. However, the superb momentum they had previously built up at home has soon evaporated after three win less outings at Turf Moor, although they’ve had a tough run of home fixtures. Aston Villa, Fulham and Arsenal, all games that ended in 1-1 draws and all matches which Owen Coyle can take several positives from despite not attaching three points in any.

Their rocky patch of form is a cause for concern but it hasn’t seen too many alarm bells ringing at SoccerBetting headquarters. Their record at home this season is still sensational considering they were clear odds on favourites to be relegated at the start of the season. In nine home fixtures, Burnley have lost just once, a 3-1 defeat by Wigan, and boast a very impressive home record of 5-3-1. They are, though, without a win in three at home, albeit having some tough home fixtures, and it will be a test of character from not only the players but also from the fans to see if they are still willing to throw everything they have into the cause. A good atmosphere is imperative if the Burnley fans want to go home cheering for the sixth time this season.

Bolton Wanderers

League Position: 18th

Recent Form: LDLDW  

Gary Megson has already signalled his intent to the board about how significant his best players are to the club and it’s future. The former West Brom manager has every right to feel apprehensive ahead of the January transfer window as several of his players will have caught the eyes of several big clubs during the course of the season. However, even Bolton’s very best haven’t been able to keep them afloat and only a win will do for them this weekend if they want to go into the new year not in the bottom three.

It’s been a difficult season for Bolton, with serious form at a premium. However, despite already suffering eight defeats in sixteen thus far, Bolton have began to strike up another small vein of form after taking four points from their last two fixtures. However, with the their match with Wigan Athletic called off on Monday, Bolton’s last win did come over a West Ham side that have seriously struggled this season, although the Hammers did hold Chelsea to a 1-1 draw at the weekend so perhaps that win is worth more credit then we are giving them.

On occasions, Bolton have been a very difficult side to play against, but mostly at The Reebok. Away from home, despite managing just as many wins, Bolton haven’t been as clinical and are without an away win in four outings, losing three of their last four. They have, though, only managed to pick up two points more at home than away so perhaps it’s just a case of when the Bolton team can actually be bothered to turn up. They haven’t been of late and this four match run without an away success could be stretched even further away at Turf Moor, a venue where Burnley have been notoriously strong this season.

A plus point for all you Bolton fans out there, surely there can’t be too many, is that your side has scored in all but one of their away fixtures this season. A 1-0 defeat at Hull City being their only drab 90 minutes in front of goal. However, a bi negative to go with that glimmer of hope is that Bolton haven’t kept a single clean sheet this season, home nor away. That’s a run of sixteen games without a shut out, a run which will only hinder the confidence of their number one shot-stopper, Jussi Jaaskelainen.

Head-to-Head (Last 10):

Burnley W: N/A Bolton Wanderers W: N/A Draw: N/A

This will be the first ever meeting between the two sides in the Premiership. Burnley will be hoping to emulate the success of Bolton, a team who have managed to fight off relegation time and time again.

Match Verdict: Burnley to WIN – 2.38 Bet365

It has to be Burnley for us. They’ve been at their absolute best at Turf Moor this season, with just about all of their 19 points coming from home encounters. Bolton, though, have struggled for a consistent run and have been found wanting in their recent away clashes. The Clarets last home fixture was a game with Arsenal, and they terrorised the Arsenal defence, bombing forward not only at pace but in numbers. Owen Coyle, aided by the support of the fans, has got Burnley playing some decent and attractive football at home and we expect another big win for his side, one that would see Bolton remain in the bottom three over Christmas but Burnley slowly edge away.

Match Odds:

Burnley – 2.38 Bet365

Draw – 3.40 SkyBet

Bolton Wanderers – 3.20 PaddyPower