Bolton V Liverpool

Date & Kick-Off: Saturday, 21 January 2012 – 17:30 GMT

Venue: The Reebok

Preview

Toothless Liverpool go to Bolton on Saturday knowing anything less than three points against the team who reside second from bottom in the Barclay’s Premier League would put another huge dent in their bid for European football next season.

Last week’s frustrating goalless draw at home to Stoke was the seventh occasion this season whereby the Reds had failed to locate the back of the opposing net, while it also left them five points adrift of Chelsea in fourth who would move eight points clear of Kenny Dalglish’s men with victory at Carrow Road over Norwich in the first of this weekend’s top flight encounters.

Whereas Liverpool are in the mix fighting for a Champions League berth, Bolton find themselves down at the other end battling to retain their Premier League status. A resounding 3-0 loss away to Manchester United seven days ago was their 15th of the campaign – having lost more games than anyone else – and left them languishing in the relegation zone, a point off safety in 19th.

Their horrific goal difference (-21) means only a win this weekend will suffice for Bolton if they’re to make a rare appearance outside of the bottom-three. It’s been over six years since the Trotters last beat Liverpool in the league, losing each of their previous eleven Premier League meetings with the Anfield outfit, while at home Owen Coyle’s side have registered a measly four points from the thirty that went on offer. That equates to one win in ten home games (W1 D1 L8).

Bad Omens

Not a lot points to a home win. Bolton are a huge price with BetVictor, who goes 11/2 on success for the hosts. Just one league win at The Reebok all season is just one of several reasons why their odds of victory are so handsome, with the Trotters unfortunately posting the worst home figures in the top flight with only four points taken from a possible thirty. They’ve also scored just eleven times at home, but yet contrived to concede a league-high 24.

Chelsea and Manchester United both notched five on visits to Bolton earlier in the term. You wouldn’t bank on Liverpool doing the same, mind. Even those lowly Trotters have plundered more goals than Kenny Dalglish’s expensively-assembled side, which should surmise perfectly the latest and current crisis on Anfield that is scoring. Defensively they’re arguably the most resolute around, with only leaders Man City conceding fewer, but only goals can win you games and goals are what Liverpool have found mighty hard to come by this season.

Fortunately for Liverpool, they’re up against the leakiest team around in Bolton, whose figures of 46 conceded in 21 top flight games simply cannot be bettered – or worsened, whichever way you prefer to look at it. Will that make a blind bit of difference though? After all, the Reds have fired blanks in three of their last four away Premier League games. Moreover, star man Luis Suarez remains suspended, while the only recognised and available striker left at the club can’t even make the team-sheet in his absence.

Match Pointers

- Liverpool are on a ten-match winning streak versus Bolton in the Premier League, winning on each of their previous four visits to The Reebok.

- Bolton’s last Premier League victory over the Reds was in September 2007, when goals from Ivan Campo and the late Gary Speed earned the Trotters a 2-0 home success.

- Jordan Henderson scored his first goal for Liverpool at Anfield in their 3-1 win over Bolton back in August., the side’s first league meeting of the season.

- Bolton, who sit second from bottom, have only won once at The Reebok in the Premier League this season (W1 D1 L8), with their 5-0 victory over Stoke on 6 November being their last win on home soil.

- Liverpool (W9 D8 L4) reside in 7TH but are now five points adrift of the Champions League places after winning only one of their last five Premier League matches.

- Despite being twelve positions worse off than Liverpool, lowly Bolton (25) have netted more times than the Reds (24), although the Trotters do have the worst defence in the top flight (46) whereas Liverpool boast the second strongest defensive figures with only 18 conceded in 21 games.

- Liverpool have won just one of their last four Premier League away games but have recorded more wins on their travels (5) than at home (4).

Betting

Prediction: Liverpool to WIN @ 4/6 with Ladbrokes

Although they have struggled on the road in recent weeks, Liverpool have preferred playing away from home because teams tend not to park the bus. Bolton certainly won’t do that – they can’t, that’s why. The Trotters simply do not do defending; 46 conceded is a league-high, which must surely benefit a Liverpool team who create chances with ease but make heavier weather at converting them than any other side in the Premier League – the Reds have a conversion rate of 9%, which is also a league-high.

In spite of their scoring difficulties, I can’t back against Liverpool. Bolton are dire at the best of times defensively but without their rock, with Gary Cahill now officially a Chelsea player, it is impossible not to fear the worse for a team who leak goals left, right and centre. The visitors should create eve more goalscoring opportunities than usual, which can only aid their chances against a Bolton side who have lost eight of ten at The Reebok in the league.

Value Bet: Andy Carroll to Score @ 6/4 with Ladbrokes

He failed to even make the starting line-up for last week’s goalless draw with Stoke at Anfield, but Andy Carroll should now be a certain starter after Dirk Kuyt’s lacklustre display up front. We’re rapidly approaching three months since the powerful forward last found the back of the net, but he won’t have many better opportunities to end his duct and better his currently dismal record with the Reds than against the most porous defence in the Premier League.

Match Odds

Bolton – 11/2 BetVictor

Draw – 14/5 bWin

Liverpool – 4/6 Ladbrokes

Bolton Wanderers V Sunderland

Date & Kick-Off: Saturday, 22 October 2011 – 15:00 (GMT)

Venue: The Reebok

Preview

Two teams in urgent need of points will seek solace in each other on Saturday, as Bolton Wanderers play host to Sunderland at The Reebok in a must-win clash for both sides. And it’s a fixture which favours Steve Bruce’s Black Cats rather than Owen Coyle’s Wanderers, as Sunderland have reigned supreme in each of their last four league meetings, including the last two at The Reebok, winning last season’s corresponding fixture 2-1 courtesy of Zat Knight’s stoppage-time own goal.

So it is Sunderland holding the aces, yet Bolton are the team in the ascendency. Whereas the Black Cats clearly boss the recent head-to-head, Bolton will be on a high after slamming the brakes on their worst ever run of defeats in the Premier League with a hard-fought yet thoroughly deserved 3-1 win at the DW Stadium over Wigan. The Trotters had previously lost six consecutive league matches, conceding 21 goals in the process to set a new Premier League record for the most amount of goals conceded in the first seven games of a season.

Elsewhere that same weekend, Sunderland were a little hard done-by away at Arsenal. Steve Bruce’s men displayed plenty of industry and endeavour at the Emirates Stadium, and were more than worthy of a share of the spoils I felt. However, despite more than matching their odds-on opponents for the majority of proceedings, troubling them throughout with the quick breakaways, the Wearsiders slumped to their fourth defeat of the campaign courtesy of Robin Van Persie’s sumptuous free-kick in the closing stages.

Now we await Sunderland’s response. Their Emirates reverse will have been mighty tough to absorb, as like I said, they deserved at least a point from a fixture which, just a few weeks previous, their opponents on Saturday, Bolton, were emphatically beaten 3-0 in. That will be of scant consolation to Steve Bruce and his players, though, as that result leaves them clinging to safety on goal difference alone.

In stark contrast, Bolton will feel as though they’re riding the crest of the wave, despite Saturday’s Wigan victory being only their second of the season. The Trotters were coming in for plenty of stick, namely manager Owen Coyle, after their failure to compete against the big boys in their previous games. So to finally get back to winnings ways, even if it was against a side seemingly destined for the Championship, will come as a massive relief, plus it gives them a platform to build from as they seek to put one of the worst ever starts to a Premier League season, by any club, well and truly behind them.

Several changes in personnel did the trick for Owen Coyle at Wigan last time out. The Bolton boss decided enough was enough and that those who hadn’t pulled their weight in the heavy losses to the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and the two Manchester clubs were no longer deserving of the shirt. Well the ploy worked a treat, this coming from a manager who does have a reputation for keeping faith with the same eleven.

Full-back Gretar Steinsson, central defender Zat Knight, who scored a decisive own goal in this fixture last season, holding-midfielder Fabrice Muamba and top scorer Ivan Klasnic were among those dropped. And Coyle’s bold moves were vindicated by not only the final result but also goals for Nigel Reo-Coker and David N’Gog, who came in for Muamba and Klasnic respectively, while centre-back David Wheater lapped up the Man of the Match plaudits having ousted Zat Knight from the starting XI.

Don’t be surprised to see Owen Coyle stick with last week’s winning line-up. His opposite number, however, will make minor alterations to the team which was narrowly beaten by Arsenal in London. Seb Larsson, who scored an absolute stunner against his former club from a free-kick at the Emirates, is suspended for one-game after collecting his fifth caution of the term. Craig Gardner will replace the Swede with Stephane Sessegnon, a makeshift striker last week, dropping back to midfield as Nicklas Bendtner returns to the first-team fold having been ineligible to face his parent club.

Match Pointers

- Sunderland are unbeaten in three at Bolton’s Reebok Stadium, winning by a single-goal margin on each of their previous two visits.

- The Black Cats have also triumphed in all four of their most recent league encounters, three without conceding a goal.

- Sat side-by-side with six-points each, only Sunderland’s vastly superior goal difference keeps them out of the relegation zone and keeps Bolton in it.

- A run of six straight defeats in the league was brought to an end as Bolton recorded a 3-1 victory away at Wigan last week.

- The fact Bolton have the worst defensive record in the Premier League is well documented, with the Trotters having shipped 22 goals in their eight league games thus far.

- Sunderland have won only one of their eight league matches so far, losing their last two away from home 2-1.

Betting

An intriguing contest which sees Bolton priced as favourites, possibly because of their recent return to winning ways and the fact last week’s tidy win away at Wigan will have given the whole club a significant lift, with Sunderland attractive odds to comply in a fixture they’ve come out on top in two-years running.

We were all hugely encouraged by what we saw from both teams last week. Although Sunderland weren’t victorious like Bolton were, their performance away to Arsenal was admirable. Bar the first 30 seconds of the match, defensively they were sound. They were also very industrious in the middle of the park, while the lone figure of Sessegnon, who did look a little forlorn at times, worked tirelessly nevertheless. Steve Bruce will also welcome back a more prominent attacking threat in Nicklas Bentdner, scorer of one and assisting another on his last appearance.

I was delighted to see Owen Coyle in celebratory mood for change, after his side’s win at Wigan. However the final scoreline did flatter the Trotters ever so slightly in that all of their goals came courtesy of alarming errors from their opponents, who were appalling on the day. Of course, that age-old adage of ‘you can only beat what’s put in front of you’ does come into affect, but you cannot discount the fact Wigan were woeful.

Personally, I’m not in the slightest bit interested in backing Bolton at those odds. Remember, this is a team who last month, in amongst all those emphatic defeats to top-quality opposition, were comprehensively outplayed and beaten by Norwich at home. I just feel I’ll be getting a lot more value on Steve Bruce’s Black Cats, who haven’t purred all too often this season but a performance similar to that at the Emirates could be enough to clinch all the spoils in this fixture.

Match Outcome: Sunderland to WIN – 5/2 Bet365

Value Bet: Nicklas Bendtner to Score – 12/5 SkyBet

Match Odds

Bolton Wanderers – 13/10 WilliamHill

Draw – 12/5 StanJames

Sunderland – 5/2 Bet365

Bolton Wanderers V Chelsea

Date/Kick-Off: Sunday, 2nd October 2011 – 13:30 (GMT)

Venue: The Reebok

TV Coverage: LIVE on SKY SPORTS 1

Bolton

League Position: 20th

League Form: LLLLL

The Trotters have been rocked by the news that Stuart Holden, the American who had only just returned from a lengthy period on the sidelines, has been ruled out for another six months. It’s a massive blow when you consider just how much Bolton have missed the midfielder’s combative qualities, as in his absence the team have managed to slump to several all-time lows.

Having succumbed to defeat at the Emirates last week, losing 3-0 to Arsenal in a match where centre-back David Wheater saw red, Bolton took their miserable tally of defeats to 10 in their last 11 Premier League matches and are now officially rock-bottom, in just about every sense. It’s all a far cry from this time last year, when the Trotters occupied a European place and were being lauded for playing some mesmerizing football under Owen Coyle.

Unfortunately, Bolton fans are struggling to catch a glimpse of any ray of light at the end of their darkening, gloomy tunnel, as next up is Chelsea at The Reebok. The Londoners have an imperious record against those Lancashire Trotters, winning the last six league meetings – the previous four without conceding a single goal – while they’re also chasing their ninth straight Premiership victory at The Reebok.

It doesn’t end there, unfortunately. Bolton are also on their longest losing streak at home in the Premier League, losing their last five on the spin including a shock 2-1 reverse to promoted Norwich last time out at The Reebok. It must be utterly demoralising to hear all that if you’re a Bolton fan; is there no end to this torment?

To truly compound matters, Owen Coyle will have to pick from a threadbare squad this weekend. David Wheater and Ivan Klasnic are suspended, Marcos Alonso, Chung-Yong Lee, Tyrone Mears, Sam Ricketts and Stuart Holden are all out injured while Gael Kakuta is ineligible to face his parent club. Gary Cahill, however, should slot straight back into the heart of the defence after missing last week’s defeat at Arsenal with illness – If I was him, I’d pull another sickie!

Chelsea

League Position: 3rd

League Form: WWWLW

No doubt disappointed with their midweek Champions League result in Valencia, Chelsea are out to make amends at the weekend and will surely be licking their lips at the prospect of playing out their final fixture before the imminent international break at Bolton.

To say The Reebok has been a happy hunting ground, or that Bolton have been cannon fodder for Chelsea would be a huge understatement. I’ve not seen a head-to-head more brutal. The Blues, as stated in the above Bolton preview, have triumphed in each of the pair’s last six league meetings and haven’t lost a Premier League match against Bolton for almost eight-years. Moving swiftly on to The Reebok: Chelsea are chasing their ninth straight league win there, having won seven of the last eight without shipping a single goal.

So, it should be a brisk walk in the park for Andre Villas-Boas’ team, who are beginning to find their stride you feel. Last week saw them hit Swansea for four in a 4-1 rout, despite playing much of the game with a numerical advantage after the dismissal of Fernando Torres, while they were incredibly unfortunate to come away with unsatisfying results at both Old Trafford and the Mestalla, when losing to Man Utd in the league and drawing with Valencia in Europe despite hugely impressive team displays in both.

It’s an exciting time to be a Chelsea fan. The quality of their football is improving game by game, especially from an attacking sense. The arrival of Juan Mata has injected a new leash of life into the whole team it would seem, even sparking Fernando Torres into life. Unfortunately, though, the latter Spaniard will now sit out Chelsea’s next three domestic fixture through suspension. Fear not though as Didier Drogba, the Ivorian powerhouse who has dropped down the pecking order under Villas-Boas, could be handed a couple of games to prove he still has plenty to offer at 33, starting with Bolton this weekend, whom he has five goals in his last six appearances against.

Match Pointers

- Chelsea haven’t lost a Premier League match against Bolton since a 2-1 loss at Stamford Bridge on December 13th, 2003 going their last 15 unbeaten.

- The Blues have also won their last six league meetings with Bolton, the last four without conceding a single goal.

- Furthermore, Chelsea have won on each of their previous eight visits to The Reebok in the Premier League, seven without conceding.

- Bolton have succumbed to defeat in 10 of their last 11 Premier League matches, including the last five at home.

Betting Verdict

Rock-bottom of the Premier League having lost 10 of their last 11 matches, Bolton are in a whole heap of trouble. A reprieve, however, is on its way in the form of a two-week break, and it can’t come soon enough but not before an improving Chelsea pay them a visit at The Reebok.

Chelsea truly do boast a remarkable record in this fixture, against Bolton in general. I won’t repeat myself, the facts are all located above. But as impressive as all the numbers surrounding this match are, it has been their performances of late – especially from an attacking perspective – that leads me to believe Chelsea will be FAR too strong for a hapless and depleted Bolton. While Didier Drogba’s determination to grasp his window of opportunity, in the absence of the suspended Torres, is a frightening though. Could get ugly, this!

Match Prediction: Chelsea to WIN – 4/7 StanJames

Value Bet: Chelsea to Score 4 or More Goals – 11/2 SkyBet

Match Odds

Bolton – 11/2 PaddyPower

Draw – 10/3 VictorChandler

Chelsea – 4/7 StanJames

Bolton Wanderers V Manchester City

Date & Kick-Off: Sunday, 21st August – 16:00 GMT

Venue: Reebok Stadium

TV Coverage: LIVE on SKY SPORTS 1

Preview - We’re barely a week into the new Premier League season but already we have an intriguing top-of-the-table clash to preside over, with Bolton Wanderers and Manchester City ready to commence battle for league supremacy after the pair were both resounding 4-0 winners on the opening weekend.

Owen Coyle’s Bolton ran riot at Loftus Road, the Trotters putting four past newly-promoted QPR without reply. Defender Gary Cahill, a reported target of Arsenal and Liverpool, opened the scoring – and, in doing so, opened the proverbial floodgates – as Ivan Klasnic and Fabrice Muamba also found their way onto the score-sheet.

Manchester City, meanwhile, took a while to get going in Monday’s live clash at Eastlands with Welsh new boys Swansea City, but once they did there was just no stopping them. City found the back of the Swansea net four times in the final 30 minutes to seal a highly impressive 4-0 win first time out; a signal of intent perhaps from Roberto Mancini’s charges, who were heavily criticised throughout last season for their lack of attacking endeavour.

A star also emerged from Monday’s demolition job. Sergio Aguero, City’s most expensive ever signing at £38M, stole all the headlines with a début he nor any of the fans inside the newly-named Etihad Stadium will ever forget, scoring twice – the last an absolute stunner from the best part of 30-yards – in a superb 30 minute cameo which had everyone – City fans, rival fans; punters and bookmakers alike– standing up and taking notice, some probably even applauding in the process!

To give you a brief idea of what Bolton are up against this weekend, here are a few statistics which won’t make for pleasant reading material if you’re a die-hard Trotter fan: Bolton have lost the last three league meetings with City, failing to score a single goal – and no one created more chances (25) or found the target on more occasions (15) than Man City on the opening weekend, who could unleash Aguero from the start on Sunday!

Betting - A Man City team who are finally coming of age will seek to make it four in a row over Bolton at the Reebok Stadium. The Blues have won the last three top-flight contests with Bolton without even shipping a goal – this, remember, the strongest defence in the Premier League in 2010/2011. Ominous stuff, then!

The good news for Bolton fans is Owen Coyle has a clean bill of health for a change, bar those who are out for considerable periods: Chung-Yong Lee and Tyrone Mears sidelined with broken legs, Stuart Holden and Sam Ricketts are still recovering from long-term knee and Achilles injuries.

Injuries are never catastrophic for Roberto Mancini, who could name three different teams capable of dispatching Bolton this weekend. Only Nigel De Jong, who limped off in the second half of Monday’s comfortable win, is a doubt. Kolo Toure is still suspended (six-month ban).

Match Odds:

Bolton – 4/1 SkyBet
Draw – 13/5 BetFred
Manchester City – 5/6 VictorChandler

Verdict - Although Bolton’s credentials aren’t strong on paper, Owen Coyle’s team are always difficult opposition, especially on their own turf, where they recorded wins over Arsenal and Tottenham in the league last season, while it took a late Michael Owen goal to spare United’s blushes in a 2-2 draw. So the Trotters are certainly no forlorn hope.

That said, I’m really struggling to envisage anything other than a Manchester City victory. Defensively they are extremely resolute and organised, while going forward they can be menacing, whether it be through a silky David Silva, a jinxing Adam Johnson out on the wing or Yaya Toure bulldozing his way through – it’s just overwhelming, and we haven’t even mentioned what concoction Sergio Aguero may have up his sleeve.

Match Prediction: Manchester City WIN – 5/6 VictorChandler
Value Bet: Sergio Aguero First Goalscorer – 9/2 Boylesports
 

QUEENS PARK RANGERS V BOLTON WANDERERS

Date & Kick-Off: Saturday, 13th August 2011; 15:00 BST
Venue: Loftus Road

PREVIEW

The country is in utter disarray and the on-going riots are threatening to wreak havoc on this weekend’s opening fixtures in the Barclay’s Premier League, with Queens Park Ranger’s first top-flight fixture for almost sixteen-years one of a number of games which could be postponed due to safety reasons. However should the game get the green light, Rangers will fancy their chances on the quiet of making a winning start upon their return to England’s top-tier.

Owen Coyle’s Bolton are the first visitors to Loftus Road and the Wanderers manager will have no doubt done his homework ahead of the match, enabling him to recognise not only his opponent’s strengths but also his own team’s flaws.

A well-organised rearguard is what the Trotters will have to break through if they’re to avoid starting this campaign as they finished the last, which was any number of things; leaking goals, not really scoring, failing to pick up points, and struggling severely to even compete on their travels. In fact, Bolton collected just the one solitary point from their final 12 away league fixtures, 11 of which were defeats.

Bolton’s record in the capital was also a retched one, losing four of five away at Arsenal, Chelsea, Fulham and Tottenham, to a scoring aggregate of 5-11. That one exemption was a 3-1 victory at Upton Park over West Ham, who were later relegated after finishing bottom.

In stark contrast to how poorly their visitors travelled last term, QPR’s record at home during 2010-2011, en route to becoming champions of the Championship, was exceptional. Only Swansea could boast a better goal difference on their own turf than Neil Warnock’s side (43-15), who lost just two of twenty-three at Loftus Road.

TEAM PREVIEWS

Queens Park Rangers

Big things were expected of Championship champions Queens Park Rangers over the summer, a club with some financial clout under the ownership of F1′s Bernie Ecclestone and Flavio Briatore. Instead, however, manager Neil Warnock – who has been philosophical about all the commotion going on behind the scenes – has done all he can working on what could only be described as a shoestring budget in a bid to increase Ranger’s chance of staying up this season.

So far, striker DJ Campbell is the only player to have joined Loftus Road  that commanded a fee, with Warnock and Rangers parting with £2M for the former Blackpool hitman, who scored no fewer than thirteen times in the Premier League last season. The rest – former West Ham duo Danny Gabbidon and Kieron Dyer, and England international Jay Bothroyd – were all recruited on free transfers.

Despite all this, Neil Warnock cannot speak highly enough of his summer acquisitions and believes this self-assembled squad of his do have what it takes to not only mix it with some of the best in the country but  also ensure the club don’t finish inside the bottom-three. His team’s stats from last season would back up his sentiments; no team in the Championship kept more clean sheets or conceded fewer goals over the course of the season than Rangers, who also only lost just twice at Loftus Road in the league.

Having a solid defence will only get you so far though, and in goalkeeper Paddy Kenny Rangers have one of the most underrated shot-stoppers in the country. However, a lot will depend on how effectively the midfield utilise possession, and how quickly new strike-duo DJ Campbell and Jay Bothroyd hit it off. Scotland forward Jamie Mackie is still recovering from a broken leg.

Bolton Wanderers

Although their form did take a serious nosedive in the second half of last season, Bolton remained one of the eye-catchers of 2010-2011. The Trotters played some beautiful football on occasions under Owen Coyle, who in his first full spell in charge almost performed minor miracles in guiding the club into the European places – Bolton were flirting with the top-six right up until Christmas, while reaching the semi-finals of the FA Cup was an outstanding feat that everyone at the club should be immensely proud about.

However, if Bolton’s miserable finish to 2010-2011 told us anything it was that Owen Coyle desperately needed to strengthen over the summer in order to keep Bolton pushing in an upwards direction, especially after the departures of two of their leading goalscorer last season in Daniel Strurridge, who returned to his parent club Chelsea, and Johan Elmander; as well as amidst news that promising South Korean Chung-Yong Lee is out for the entire season with a broken leg and Stuart Holden won’t feature until October at the earliest as the American midfielder continues his recovery from a long-term knee injury.

Yet Coyle’s summer additions have left us all feeling a little underwhelmed. Tyrone Mears, who unfortunately suffered a broken leg during pre-season, and Chris Eagles never really performed to a consistent level when asked to do so in the Premier League two-years ago with Burnley, while Nigel Reo-Coker, a free transfer from Aston Villa, has been on a downward spiral for some time now, hence why Villa put up no fight to keep the 27-year-old midfielder.

After ending the previous term with five straight defeats, it was clear the squad was in need of some fresh impotence. Perhaps we’ll see a few more arrive at The Reebok before the end of the window, I really don’t know. In the meantime, Owen Coyle must take an almost identical squad to Loftus Road for Saturday’s game with QPR that has lost eleven of its last twelve away Premiership fixtures, a run in which they failed to even find the back of the net on seven occasions.

TEAM NEWS

QPR boss Neil Warnock is still shorn of two of his strikers for Saturday’s Premier League opener at home to Bolton, with Rob Hulse out injured with a knee problem while Jamie Mackie is continuing his rehabilitation from the broken leg he sustained in an FA Cup tie with Blackburn back in January. There has been non-stop speculation surrounding the future of Adel Tarrabt, however the Morrocan has been included in Warnock’s squad, as have a number of his summer signings: Danny Gabbidon, Bruno Perone, Kieron Dyer, Jay Bothroyd and DJ Campbell.

Unfortunate broken legs will keep new signing Tyrone Mears and South Korean Lee out of the Bolton set-up for a considerable period; however, manager Owen Coyle will nevertheless hand Nigel Reo-Coker and Chris Eagles their debuts on Saturday at Loftus Road. Former Middlesbrough and Stoke striker, Tuncay Sanli, completed his moves to The Reebok with Bolton on Monday but wasn’t granted a work permit in time and so will not feature at Loftus Road.

BETTING

Not even their superior amount of experience at this level has done Bolton much favours in the betting, with the Trotters as big as 9/4 with VictorChandler to secure maximum points for the first time in an away Premier League fixture since 13th November, 2010. However, Bolton have won four of the previous five competitive encounters.

These two sides have met in the Premier League before, mind, and on both occasions the London club prevailed. QPR are 7/5 with several firms, including Bet365 and WilliamHill, to maintain their 100% record against Bolton in the Premier League with victory at Loftus Road this weekend.

The draw, which may not be a bad shout what with QPR’s forward credentials still unknown and Bolton’s miserable recent run of having not scored in seven of their last eleven away league games. Coincidentally, 0-0 could be worth a punt.

Match Odds:

QPR - 7/5 (2.40) Bet365
Draw – 23/10 (3.30) Coral
Bolton – 2/1 (3.00) VictorChandler

My Prediction: Draw @ 23/10 (3.30) with Coral
Value Bet: 0-0 Draw @ 9/1 (10.00) with Totesport

This could be a tentative affair. I’d be surprised if there were too many goals, if any for that matter. Bolton are certainly the stronger in terms of personnel, and probably in terms of physicality and stature as well, so this is a difficult opener for Rangers, who were immense at home down in the Championship last season and will hope to seize upon Bolton’s dreadful away tendencies of conceding goals, scoring very few in return, and rarely collecting points. However, I’d be more inclined to back a low-scoring draw, just because this has the making of a tight, nervy opening fixture.

Arsenal

Manager: Arsene Wenger
Stadium: Emirates Stadium
Star Man: Robin Van Persie
2010-2011 Position: 4th

Summer Transfer Activity (Notable Transfers)

Arrivals – Carl Jenkinson, Gervinho

Departures – Denilson (Loan), Gael Clichy (Man City), Jay Emmanuel-Thomas, Jens Lehmann (retired)

Overview: There is discontent within the Arsenal supporter ranks following yet another pre-season of high-drama and very few arrivals, as preparations ahead of the new campaign have once again been curtailed by this on-going – and frankly now boring – transfer saga involving Cesc Fabregas and long-time admirers Barcelona. Unfortunately for Arsenal, there is more chance of that dealing being finalised before the end of the transfer window than not.

But even more detrimental to the club’s chances of ending their six-year wait for silverware was hearing of Samir Nasri’s attempts to try and engineer a move away from the Emirates over the summer, with both Manchester clubs monitoring the French midfielder’s situation. Wenger, though, is determined to keep Nasri at the club, whatever the cost it would seem, even if it means losing the talented midfielder on a free transfer next summer – but even if he does stay put, surely Nasri’s commitment to the cause will now have to be questioned?

In terms of incoming transfers, Gervinho has joined from French champions Lille and does look an exciting prospect. Carl Jenkinson has also joined the Gunners from Charlton Athletic. But you feel more signings are needed if Arsenal are to better their last season’s efforts, when they could only finish fourth behind Chelsea, Man City and champions Man Utd, whom they were twelve-points adrift of.

Heck, could their top-four status be under threat? Both Liverpool and Man City have strengthened considerably over the summer, while I’m sure their North London rivals will also be gunning for Wenger’s men.

ARSENAL TO BE CROWNED PREMIER LEAGUE CHAMPIONS: 11/1 BETFRED

Aston Villa

Manager: Alex McLeish
Stadium: Villa Park
Star Man: Darren Bent
2010-2011 Position: 9th

Summer Transfer Activity

Arrivals – Shay Given (Man City), Charles N’Zogbia (Wigan)

Departures – John Carew, Stewart Downing (Liverpool), Brad Friedel (Tottenham), Robert Pires, Nigel Reo-Coker (Bolton), Ashley Young (Man Utd)

Overview: Aston Villa was a club seemingly on the up back in January, that despite their involvement in a relegation dogfight, as Darren Bent’s arrival from Sunderland appeared to have signalled the club’s second coming. However, just a few months on and two of their stand-out performers from last season, wingers Ashley Young and Stewart Downing, both secured upward moves to Manchester United and Liverpool respectively.

Villa did of course profit handsomely from the sales of both Englishmen (Around £40M in total), and they appear to have bought shrewdly in the form of former Wigan wide-man Charles N’Zogbia for just £9.5M, who could be a useful servant to the usually prolific Darren Bent, as well as acquiring Shay Given from Man City, with the Republic of Ireland shot-stopper replacing Brad Friedel who departed for Tottenham in the summer.

Among those to have also left the Midlands since the end of last season are midfielders Nigel Reo-Coker and Robert Pires, as well as ftriker John Carew – a few of their hefty earners, with all three having been released by the club.

Finally, fans were not impressed – incensed being the appropriate word – when club owner, Randy Lerner, announced that former Birmingham City manager Alex McLeish – who resigned from the St Andrews post at the end of last season after failing to keep the Blues in the top-flight – would be Gerard Houllier’s long-term successor. To say the pressure is on ‘Big Eck’ right from the off would be a massive understatement, with the supporters now demanding a return to European contention.

DARREN BENT TOP GOALSCORER: 14/1 PADDYPOWER

Blackburn Rovers

Manager: Steve Kean
Stadium: Ewood Park
Star Man: Paul Robinson (GK)
2010-2011 Position: 15th

Summer Transfer Activity

Arrivals – Myles Anderson, David Goodwillie

Departures – Benjani, Frank Fielding, Phil Jones (Man Utd)

Overview: When Blackburn’s relatively new owners completed their purchase of Blackburn Rovers FC some six months ago, they announced that Champions League football was their primary aim shortly before handing Sam Allardyce his marching orders in a move which enraged the LMA and most neutrals but was surprisingly welcomed with open arms by a large portion of Rovers’ supporters.

A new brand of attractive football was supposedly on the horizon, and Venky’s quick-fire solution was to promote Steve Kean to manager. A bizarre move considering funds aren’t in short supply, according to the owners anyway, yet they opt for a man with absolutely no managerial experience at this level and whom will cost them pittance to keep on.

Furthermore, the club are still a million miles off even competing for a top-four finish, while they haven’t even come good on their promise to bring a so-called ‘marquee signing’ to the club despite several humbling attempts to bring the likes of David Beckham and Luis Fabiano to Lancashire.

Throw in a quiet summer, that floundered when Phil Jones was sold to Manchester United but turned a little brighter when Rovers swooped for Dundee’s David Goodwillie, and you’re struggling to envisage anything other than a typically ordinary season at Ewood Park, which at best will involve a mid-table finish and at worst, relegation. The latter certainly isn’t out of the question.

BLACKBURN TOP-TEN FINISH: 4/1 BET365

Bolton Wanderers

Manager: Owen Coyle
Stadium: Reebok Stadium
Star Man: Kevin Davies
2010-2011 Position: 14th

Summer Transfer Activity

Arrivals – Chris Eagles, Tyrone Mears, Darren Pratley (Swansea), Nigel Reo-Coker (Aston Villa),

Departures – Ali Al Habsi (Wigan), Joey O’Brien, Matthew Taylor,

Overview: The standard has been raised at Bolton Wanderers thanks in no small part to manager Owen Coyle, with the 45-year-old performing minor miracles during his first full season in charge.

Upon accepting the position as manager back in January 2010, Coyle inherited a team that was battling to stay in the division, who were positioned down near the basement of the league. However, not only did he successfully lead the Trotters to safety (2009-2010), he would later write his own chapter in Bolton folklore, leading an average-looking side to the semi-finals of the 2010-2011 FA Cup. The team were also European contenders for much of the league season, but unfortunately their form declined dramatically in the final few months – a ominous sign perhaps that the squad urgently needed reinforcements?

So what next for Coyle and Bolton? Well, I’m sure the manager will say survival is of the utmost importance, which does kind of go without saying, but after flirting with the Europa League spots for so long last season, could the team possibly push on and take the club to that next level?

Summer signings have been few and far between though, certainly exciting ones. Tyrone Mears and Chris Eagles have joined from Burnley, Coyle’s former club, while Nigel Reo-Coker could prove a decent capture should the former Villa midfielder recapture his form of old that earned him an England call-up. And in the other direction went midfielder Matty Taylor and striker Johan Elmander.

BOLTON TOP-TEN FINISH: 9/4 BET365

Blackpool V Bolton Wanderers

Date & Kick-Off: Saturday, 14 May 2011 – 12:45 (GMT)
Venue: Bloomfield Road

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Preview

The reality of their dire situation finally hit home last Saturday, when Blackpool dropped into the relegation zone for the very first time just two games before the season draws to a close. But while there is still 180 minutes left to alter their destiny, many believe Saturday’s match is where the Tangerines’ fate lies.

So it’s now make of break for Ian Holloway’s side after they dropped into the bottom-three last weekend, despite earning a creditable 1-1 draw with Tottenham at White Hart Lane. The Seasiders face out of sorts Bolton Wanderers at the weekend, at Bloomfield Road, in an almost last-ditch attempt to keep alive their fading hopes of survival before making the formidable trip to Manchester to tackle champions-elect United at Old Trafford.

Defeat then, or possibly even a draw for that matter, would all but relegate Blackpool on spot even though Manchester United will more than likely field a second string outfit on the very last day of the season. Only West Brom have left the aptly named ‘Theatre of Dreams’ without losing this season, with not even the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool or Manchester City unable to prevent the Red Devils express. So what chance do Blackpool have? Even if it is against a much-changed United side.

With the above in mind, Saturday’s home fixture with Bolton takes on greater significance. In fairness, if Ian Holloway had the choice of opponent this weekend, Bolton probably would have been right up there on his list of preferences – so can the Tangerines take full advantage and squeeze every last point out of their very last golden opportunity?

With regards to the above question, we’re nonethewiser.

Just about every team in the Premier League would fancy their chances against Bolton right now, especially at home. Though Blackpool are perhaps the exception.

In their last nine matches, Blackpool have registered a somewhat pathetic sum of four points from a possible 27 – drawing four and losing five. It doesn’t exactly get better at home, either. A sluggish-finishing Tottenham are the only team to have lost at Bloomfield Road in ten matches, the Tangerines losing a bewildering six of those. Their Spurs victory was also a good two-and-a-half-months ago now, so you’ll not be surprised to hear that five games have passed them by since without winning by the Seaside.

But if Ian Holloway’s men are to finish the season with a bang and at least ensure they have a glimmer of hope heading into the final day of the season, they must better their dismal sequence of results, having drawn their last three league games on the spin to extend a nine-match run without winning, against a Bolton side who, to put it midly, are definitely prime for the taking.

The Trotters are still nursing an FA Cup semi-final hangover it would seem, losing 5-0 to Stoke last month to miss out on the opportunity to feature in this weekend’s show-piece against Manchester City, and are now finishing a campaign full of promise with a real whimper, with last week’s 2-1 reverse to Sunderland at home their third consecutive defeat following disappointing outcomes away at first Fulham (3-0) before helped Blackburn, who were previously without a win for ten games, to end their barren streak (1-0).

The bad times don’t end there for Bolton. Not since 22 November, when they beat Wolves 3-2 at Molineux, has Owen Coyle’s men secured maximum points on their travels. Since then, Coyle has seen his side lose ten of eleven away from home in the league – I suppose that could become eleven in twelve if you include their thumping 5-0 defeat in last month’s semi-final with Stoke – having also mustered a miserly three goals in that period, failing to score in eight of their last eleven away league games.

Going back to my previous statement; this really is a golden opportunity for Blackpool. Although, judging by their début season in the Barclay’s Premier League, it would be typical for Ian Holloway’s men to roll over on Saturday against unquestionably the poorest travellers in the top-flight this season before putting in a shift at Old Trafford the following week. After all, those unpredictable Tangerines have the worst home record in the Premier League, having registered just 17 points (W4 D5 L9) at Bloomfield Road, but have taken points off Everton, Liverpool and Tottenham on their travels.

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Form

Blackpool – LLDDD (Blackpool 1-3 Arsenal, Blackpool 1-3 Wigan, Blackpool 1-1 Newcastle, Blackpool 0-0 Stoke, Tottenham 1-1 Blackpool)

Bolton – LWLLL (Bolton 0-5 Stoke, Bolton 2-1 Arsenal, Fulham 3-0 Bolton,  Blackburn 1-0 Bolton, Bolton 1-2 Sunderland)

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Head-to-Head (Premiership)

Blackpool wins: 0
Draws: 1
Bolton wins: 0

Last 5 Seasons

2010/2011: Bolton 2-2 Blackpool

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Streaks & Trends

Blackpool have now failed to win any of their previous nine league games (W0 D4 L5), drawing their last three on the spin.

No team has collected fewer points (17) or conceded more goals (34) than Blackpool at home, who last celebrated victory in the Premier League at their Bloomfield Road stadium back on 22 February, six home games previous.

The Seasiders haven’t score more than one goal in a game since drawing 2-2 with Blackburn at Ewood Park on 19 March, seven games ago.

Bolton have lost three consecutive league games following their 2-1 home defeat to Sunderland, while they haven’t secured maximum points on the road since 13 November – losing ten of their previous eleven away Premiership matches since, including their last four on the spin.

The Trotters have scored just three goals in their last eleven away league games, yet conceded 17.

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Value Bets

Blackpool to WIN 1-0 (Correct Score) @ 10.50 bWin

Combining these two statistics together: Blackpool having scored precisely one goal in four of their last five home games, ten altogether at Bloomfield Road, with Bolton’s pathetic sum of three goals in their last eleven away matches and a narrow 1-0 home triumph suddenly becomes appealing. Interestingly, though, the Tangerines haven’t won by this exact scoreline at home all season.

DJ Campbell to Score @ 3.00 Coral

DJ Campbell has scored in Blackpool’s last two home games, with six of his eleven league goals this season having been scored at Bloomfield Road, though never first.

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Match Prediction: Draw – 3.60 BetFred

Blackpool have been handed so many generous home fixtures of late, and because of their critical predicament, I expected them to take full advantage of most. In the end, they didn’t take nearly enough points from them and are now paying the penalty. Ironically, this is undoubtedly the easiest of the lot, against a Bolton side who have lost ten of their last eleven away Premier League contests, eight of which without even scoring. At the odds, though, I couldn’t go anywhere near the hosts. That said, I wouldn’t want to be on the visitors either. So this is simply a case of avoiding two nasty teams who simply cannot win at the minute.

Hardly the prettiest of selections, however, I genuinely wouldn’t feel comfortable backing either party to come out on top in a wide-open contest which could be absolutely anything.

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Match Odds

Blackpool – 2.25 PaddyPower
Draw – 3.60 BetFred
Bolton Wanderers – 3.40 Bet365

Bolton Wanderers V Sunderland

Date & Kick-Off: Saturday, 7 May 2011 – 15:00 (GMT)
Venue: Reebok Stadium

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Preview

At odds of 1.85 with VictorChandler to dispatch of Sunderland at The Reebok this weekend, I’m wandering if Bolton have ever looked so good? And I’m not just talking about some of the football they now play under Owen Coyle, who surely has to come into the equation when the nominees for Manager of the Season are announced, not that I expect him to take home the prize.

On the back of quick-fire defeats, you may think I’m mad to give Bolton the big build-up. There’s no need to panic, though, as a quick glance over at who’s aiming to derail Bolton’s scintillating run of form at home should have you on the same wavelength.

Sunderland are in a right mess at the minute, and had it not been for their inspired start to the season, when at one stage they were touted for Europe, they’d also be in a right pickle with just three games left to play. As it is, their troubles shouldn’t compromise their Premiership status, with the Black Cats six-points above the relegation places in 14th, which is just as well as I wouldn’t bank on them registering too many points between now and the end of the term.

A dismal performance at home to Fulham last weekend, who had previously won just one of their last 35 matches away from home in the Premier League, coincided with an embarrassing defeat which was later greeted by a chorus of boos from the home support as the final whistle rang out. So it’s certainly not harmonious on Wearside, that despite the club seemingly on course for a fifth consecutive spell in the top-flight of English football.

To compound the misery of the supporters, that was Sunderland’s ninth defeat in eleven league games. Furthermore, they must now finish the season without a recognised forward in their ranks. In fact, they barely have a squad. Their manager, Steve Bruce, claims he’s never had it so bad on the injury front, and that he may even struggle to fill the bench on Saturday, with Craig Gordon,Titus Bramble, John Mensah, Asamoah Gyan, Danny Welbeck and Fraizer Campbell all out injured for the remainder of the campaign. And if that list of absentees wasn’t extensive enough, Steed Malbranque, as well as key midfield duo Lee Cattermole and Jordan Henderson, are doubtful for the trip to Greater Manchester.

The season really couldn’t come to an end any faster for Sunderland.

As for Bolton, they’re also threatening to finish a previously promising season, which at one stage could have culminated in qualification for the Europa League, on a sour note. Back-to-back defeats away at Fulham and Blackburn, the latter against a team who were previously within a win in ten, has killed off any hope of Europe, with seventh now the highest Owen Coyle’s men can finish the season, realistically, not mathematically.

However, as far as this precise fixture goes they look an absolute steal to take full advantage of Sunderland’s misfortunes. The Trotters may have slumped to successive away defeats but at home, inside a rocking Reebok, they’ve been flawless. A 2-1 victory over Arsenal in their most recent league encounter at home was arguably their most impressive win of the season, not to mention their fifth on the trot at home for the Trotters (pun very much intended).

My only reservations with the home side regard possible absentees, as a strong Bolton XI really should tear a deflated Sunderland side who have lost four of their last five away matches, having also not mustered an away goal for over six hours, to shreds. Full-back Gretar Steinsson is a minor doubt also more disconcerting is Daniel Sturridge’s ankle injury, though the on-loan Chelsea striker, who has netted 5 of his 7 goals while with Bolton at the Reebok Stadium, should recover in time, hopefully.

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Form & Last Result

Bolton Wanderers – WLWLL (Bolton 3-0 West Ham, Bolton 0-5 Stoke, Bolton 2-1 Arsenal, Fulham 3-0 Bolton, Blackburn 1-0 Bolton)

Bolton lost their fourth consecutive away match last weekend as they were beaten 1-0 by struggling Blackburn, who were previously without a win in ten. The Trotters have struggled immensely away from home in 2011 and will no doubt appreciate this weekend’s home encounter, regardless of who it’s against – especially as they were 2-1 winners over Arsenal in their most recent league encounter at the Reebok, their fifth consecutive home win.

Sunderland – LLLWL (Man City 5-0 Sunderland, Sunderland 2-3 West Brom, Birmingham 2-0 Sunderland, Sunderland 4-2 Wigan, Sunderland 0-3 Fulham)

Sunderland are back to doing what they’ve done better than anyone else in 2011, and that’s losing games. A Black Cats side lacking in forward numbers was punished severely at the Stadium of Light last Saturday, to the disgruntlement of the home supporters who aired their frustrations at the final whistle. The 3-0 home defeat to Fulham, who had previously won just one of 35 away Premier League matches, was Sunderland’s ninth defeat in eleven games. Now they’re back on the road aiming to end a five-match winless run containing one draw and four defeats, as well as 360 minutes of away football without netting.

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Head-to-Head (Premiership)

Bolton Wanderers wins: 4
Draws: 3
Sunderland wins: 6

Last 5 Seasons

2010/2011: Sunderland 1-0 Bolton
2009/2010: Sunderland 4-0 Bolton
2009/2010: Bolton 0-1 Sunderland
2008/2009: Bolton 0-0 Sunderland
2008/2009: Sunderland 1-4 Bolton
2007/2008: Bolton 2-0 Sunderland
2007/2008: Sunderland 3-1 Bolton

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Match Prediction: Bolton Wanderers to WIN – 1.83 WilliamHill

No great surprise this, considering I spent an age highlighting Bolton’s credentials and pin-pointing Sunderland’s many flaws, but Bolton really should wipe the floor with a Sunderland side currently in free-fall, lacking in first-team personnel and without an ounce of confidence in their system. Throw in no forwards and six hours of away football without a goal for the visitors, complimented by this statistic: Bolton have won five consecutive league games at home in the Premier League, and it should be straight-forward for the Trotters.

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Value Bets (As contradicting as this set are)

Sunderland to WIN to NIL @ 8.00 PaddyPower

The Black Cats have won the previous three encounters, all without conceding a single goal.

Bolton to WIN @ 1.83 WilliamHill (General)

The Trotters have won their last five home Premiership matches in succession.

0-0 Draw (Correct Score) @ 12.00 Stanjames

Bolton have failed to score in their previous four attempts against Sunderland in the league, while the visitors haven’t scored an away goal in just over six hours of away football.

Daniel Sturridge to Score @ 2.40 Unibet

The on-loan Chelsea forward has scored in four of his five appearances for Bolton at their Reebok Stadium, with 5 of his 7 strikes for the Trotters having been scored on home soil.

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Match Odds

Bolton Wanderers – 1.83 WilliamHill
Draw – 3.60 BetFred
Sunderland – 4.60 VictorChandler

Bolton Wanderers V Arsenal

Date & Kick-Off: Sunday, 24 April 2011 – 16:00 (GMT)
Venue: Reebok Stadium
TV Coverage: Sky Sports HD1

Despite striving yet again to throw away a golden opportunity by squandering a 3-1 lead away at arch rivals Tottenham in midweek, 24 hours after league leaders Manchester United could only manage a 0-0 draw with Newcastle at St James’ Park, Arsenal still find themselves in this title race, not that anyone knows how. However they now have Chelsea for company, who are finishing the stronger of the two and have instantly overtaken The Gunners as United’s main rival for the crown, according to the media anyway.

The funny thing is, Arsenal have only slipped one placed down the table into third courtesy of a slightly inferior goal difference to that of Chelsea. That said, it doesn’t take a genius to figure out why the neutrals have suddenly ploughed all their faith into a Chelsea side finishing the season like a steam train, as opposed to a lacklustre Arsenal who once again display all the characteristics of a side severely lacking in that winning mentality the top-two certainly boast.

The above was epitomised at White Hart Lane on Wednesday, when Arsene Wenger frustratingly saw his side relinquish a seemingly unassailable 3-1 lead and drop two possibly pivotal points in a 3-3 draw. The match itself was a corker, one of the best games you’ll see all season, but that will be of scant consolation to Arsenal and their beleaguered manager, who simply must be growing tiresome of his side’s lack of backbone and mental toughness when it comes to killing off games and hanging on in there for maximum points.

Wednesday’s stalemate was Arsenal’s fifth draw in their last six league games, a damning statistic if ever there was one to back up everyone’s assumption that Arsene Wenger doesn’t boast enough maturity in his ranks. Cesc Fabregas, the Arsenal captain, even said so himself, to the annoyance of his manager, which is perhaps an indication in itself that there is discontent with the ranks regarding Wenger’s transfer policy and his refusal to sign experienced players with proven ability.

But there is a massive positive for Arsenal supporters, as well as a small dose of irony, and that is that Lady Luck is clearly shining down on your side, as while your team continue to spurn every window of opportunity that comes their way, they are still in this title race, albeit by the skin of their teeth and in urgent need of the odd favour elsewhere. That could happen though, as United drawing 0-0 with Newcastle during the week proved, although Arsenal holding up their end of the bargain – the Londoners now requiring nothing less than a flawless finish to the season – may require the odd miracle in itself. Their remaining fixtures aren’t that difficult, they’re just in a dismal frame of mind right now, as well as form, and haven’t looked in the slightest bit capable of stringing together a succession of wins.

Victory at The Reebok would at least be a start, get the ball rolling and all that, and they’re fortunate that not only is its occupants nursing an FA Cup hangover but the venue itself has also been a happy hunting ground for Arsene Wenger’s men in recent times. Arsenal were pushed all the way during last season’s visit to Bolton but eventually ran out nervy 2-0 winners, that being their third consecutive away victory over the Trotters, as well as their eighth in succession home and away in the Premier League.

Bolton manager Owen Coyle will be eager to arrest Bolton’s dismal form against The Gunners, however he has a tough job on his hands just getting his players out on that pitch. After last Sunday’s 5-0 hiding in the semi-final of the FA Cup at the hands of Stoke, I doubt there will be too many in that Bolton dressing room excited at the prospect of turning out in front of their home fans for the first time since last week’s horror showing, especially as another may well be in the offing should they turn up in a similarly lacklustre mood when Arsenal pay them a visit on Sunday.

So then, just how demoralising was that FA Cup defeat for Bolton? Considering virtually all of the first-team have never lost a match of such magnitude and importance, I would hedge my bets on their being a fair amount of scarred individuals inside that Bolton dressing room. Ironically, they probably could have done without a home fixture next time out, as while their record at The Reebok is outstanding for the 2010/2011 term (W9 D5 L2), not to mention winning their last four home league games on the spin, the players are likely to be greeted by a lukewarm reception on Sunday, with disgruntled supporters still coming to terms with last Sunday’s woeful display in unquestionably the club’s biggest match since the turn of the Millennium.

Arsenal themselves aren’t exactly firing on all cylinders though, so Sunday’s fixture couldn’t be more ideal for both of them as the pair look to capitalise on one another’s recent misfortunes and fragile frame of minds. Heck, I’m sure Owen Coyle will be more than happy to lend Arsene Wenger his shoulder to cry on when another ‘controversial’ decision doesn’t go his team’s way before a somewhat inevitable draw.

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Head-to-Head (Premier League)

Bolton wins: 4
Draws: 5
Arsenal wins: 14

Last 5 Seasons

2010/2011: Arsenal 4-1 Bolton
2009/2010: Arsenal 4-2 Bolton
2009/2010: Bolton 0-2 Arsenal
2008/2009: Arsenal 1-0 Bolton
2008/2009: Bolton 1-3 Arsenal
2007/2008: Bolton 2-3 Arsenal
2007/2008: Arsenal 2-0 Bolton
2006/2007: Arsenal 2-1 Bolton
2006/2007: Bolton 3-1 Arsenal

Streaks & Trends

Arsenal have won the last eight league meetings with Bolton, who last beat The Gunners in the Premier League back in 2006, when Nicolas Anelka scored twice for Bolton in a 3-1 success.

Bolton’s record at home to Arsenal during the Premier League era reads: W4 D2 L5.

The Trotters haven’t lost a league fixture at The Reebok since 24 January, their one and only home defeat in eleven home games, winning their last four on the spin.

No team has registered more points away from home this season than Arsenal (30pts), who have an away record of: W8 D6 L2.

Arsenal are unbeaten in the league for sixteen matches; 8 wins and as many draws, and have gone their last seven away from home without defeat.

The Gunners have now drawn five of their last six league games.

All of Arsenal’s last seven away games have produced a minimum of 3 goals, a little over four-goals on average.

Robin Van Persie has scored in four of Arsenal’s last five league games, and in each of their previous six on the road.

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Betting Odds & Tips

Match Prediction: Arsenal to WIN – 1.80 BetFred

Arsenal’s hopes of winning the title are fading fast and could even come crashing to an end at The Reebok if they don’t buck up their ideas and start showing a bit of steely determination for a change. Bolton could do with some of the same after their day out at Wembley to forget a week previous, not least because they are once again without combative midfielder Stuart Holden, arguably Bolton’s best player this season.

Because of the manner of their FA Cup semi-final defeat, it takes a brave punter to put a single ounce of faith in Bolton. Apart from the fact the spirit of the dressing room surely has to be at an al-time low, fans won’t exactly be ecstatic to see them on Sunday. So a couple of early goals from Arsenal and the scenes could get very ugly at The Reebok.

Fortunately for Bolton, The Reebok has been something of a fortress for them this season, where only two teams have won all season: Chelsea and Liverpool. Arsenal’s record is formidable there in recent seasons, but this is a better Bolton outfit than in previous terms, and had it not been for last Sunday’s FA Cup loss, Bolton would have been a stunning bet at the odds to ground out a result. As it is, without their stand-out player of the season in American Stuart Holden, whom works tirelessly to break down as many opposing attacks as possible, Bolton head into Sunday’s encounter alarmingly exposed.

Although they’ve been a constant source of frustration of late, Arsenal are my pick in this one to compound Bolton fans’ woes in a fixture they simply have to win in order to keep that flicker of hope alive.

Value Bet: Robin Van Persie to Score – 2.20 Coral

The Dutchman has been prolific for Arsenal since returning from injury late last year and has scored in each of The Gunners’ last six matches away from home, though in just two did he open the scoring.

Match Odds:

Bolton Wanderers – 5.00 Boylesports
Draw – 3.80 Bet365
Arsenal – 1.80 BetFred