Chelsea V Bolton Wanderers

With the worst win percentage of any previous Chelsea manager during the Roman Abramovich era, you could argue Andre Villas-Boas is living on borrowed time at Stamford Bridge. Victory over relegation favourites Bolton in the Premier League would buy him a little more though, but is the writing may already be on the wall following a retched week in the cups in which they were held by Championship side Birmingham in the FA Cup, shortly before succumbing in Naples to Napoli, losing 3-1 in the opening leg of their last-16 Champions League tie with the Italians.

Villas-Boas’ decision to omit several of his more experienced players caused a stir before and especially after Tuesday’s game in Naples, with Ashley Cole and Frank Lampard among those left out of the Chelsea XI amid reports of dressing room bust-ups between the manager and some of the senior players at the club. So it will be intriguing to see who the Portuguese tactician includes in his team-sheet for Saturday’s must-win clash at home to Bolton, whom the Blues have an imperious record against – they’ve won each of the previous seven league meetings, including a 5-1 romp at The Reebok earlier in the season in which the aforementioned Lampard netted a hat-trick.

An extremely tall order for Bolton then, going by not only their dismal record in this fixture but also their league form in general. The Trotters reside in 19TH, just a point off safety, after going their previous three league games without a win. However, a routine 2-0 win at Millwall in the fifth round of the FA Cup last weekend will have lifted spirits somewhat, but this is a team which has suffered some heavy defeats on the road against the big sides this season: Arsenal (3-0), Liverpool (3-1), Man Utd (3-0) and Tottenham (3-0).

As is seemingly the norm these days whenever Chelsea play, there could be goals here – especially considering who their opponents are, which is a Bolton side with the second leakiest rearguard in the Premier League. The Blues, meanwhile, will be without both Jose Bosingwa and centre-half stalwart John Terry, this in a defence which has been breached in each of its last five matches including last week’s home FA Cup tie with Birmingham. Ladbrokes go evens on both teams finding the net – a steal, in my opinion!

Form: Chelsea (5TH) WDDDL; Bolton (19TH) LWDLL

Key Stat: Chelsea are bidding to win their eighth straight Premier League fixture versus Bolton, whom they thrashed 5-1 at The Reebok back in October.

Match Odds: Chelsea 2/7; Draw 9/2; Bolton 10/1 (Bet365)

Recommended Bet: Both Teams to Score @ evens (Ladbrokes)

Newcastle United V Wolverhampton Wanderers

While there is an undeniable gulf between these two sides, with one vying for Champions League football and the other fighting tooth and nail at the bottom, Newcastle and Wolves have more in common than you might think. No it isn’t that they’re both without a manager – Wolves, however, are after Mick McCarthy was given his marching orders earlier in the month – it is that they were both on the wrong end of 5-1 drubbings last time out, with Newcastle battered at Tottenham and Wolves thrashed at home by West Brom.

With a passionate Toon army behind them, and with a manager whom the players have the utmost respect for, you would have to fancy Newcastle bouncing back from their White Hart Lane horror show. And that’s before taking into account their respective placings in the league table. Whereas Alan Pardew’s Magpies are flying high in 6TH, a point off the Champions League places, Wolves are languishing down in 18TH, two points off the foot of the table, and have won just one of their previous eleven away from home in the league.

It’s incredible just how many names have been linked with the current managerial vacancy at Molineux. One of the first things any new appointment has to address is this porous defence of theirs defence; it’s now 22 Premier League matches without a clean sheet for Wanderers, who have shipped twelve in their last four league games alone. The omens do not suggest they’ll fare much better at St James Park either, where they were thumped 4-1 last season.

You won’t be getting rich any time soon with the odds available on the home side, so it could pay to back one of their Senegalese strike duo landing the first blow. Demba Ba (7/2 FGS with Boylesports) has been a handful all season for opposing defences and is the division’s second leading goalscorer with 16, but Papiss Cisse has already shown glimpses of the quality which made him a scoring machine over in Germany and could well steal the limelight from his compatriot.

Form: Newcastle (6TH) WLWWL; Wolves (18TH) DLLWL

Key Stat: Wolves have won only one of their previous 11 Premier League away games (W1 D4 L6); Newcastle have won their last three at home.

Match Odds: Newcastle 8/13; Draw 3/1; Wolves 19/4 (BetVictor)

Recommended Bet: Papiss Cisse First Goalscorer @ 19/4 (BetVictor)

Queens Park Rangers V Fulham

Fulham ran riot when these two West London foes locked horns for the very first time in the Premier League at Craven Cottage last October, running out emphatic 6-0 winners to record what was at the time their first league victory of the season at the seventh attempt. Speaking of seven, that is exact number of goals the Cottagers have plundered on their travels. Something tells me Martin Jol’s men may not hit QPR for sixth this time, especially being the top-flight’s poorest travellers and all.

No team has scored fewer goals (7 from 12 games) or registered fewer points (8 from a possible 36; W1 D5 L6) away from home than Fulham, who are notorious for being darn-right awful on the road. Fortunately for them, QPR have been just as dismal at home. Just three teams have accrued less points on their own patch than Rangers (10 from a possible 36; W2 D4 L6), who have won one – a 3-1 success against rock-bottom Wigan – and lost three of their last four at Loftus Road, where they were beaten 2-1 by Wolves in their last home game.

All the makings of a cagey affair then, with few very goals, although, I am sure something similar was muttered pre-game before their clash at Craven Cottage in October. It should say everything you need to know that even bookmakers are none the wiser as to who will triumph in this contest: QPR, who have won only one of their six matches under Mark Hughes, are 17/10 to record a win on their own patch against a homesick Fulham side who are 7/4 and won’t actually have to do very much in the way of travelling. No doubt the draw at 23/10 will prove a popular punt.

Form: QPR (16TH) LWDLL; Fulham (12TH) LWDLW

Key Stat: Contested their first ever Premier League meeting at Craven Cottage in October, which Fulham emphatically won 6-0.

Match Odds: QPR 17/10; Draw 23/10; Fulham 7/4 (BetVictor)

Recommended Bet: Draw @ 23/10 (BetVictor)

West Bromwich Albion V Sunderland

It hasn’t felt this good to be a Sunderland fan for a long, long time. Much of that is down to the manager, Martin O’Neill, who since taking charge back in December has guided the club into the top half of the Premier League, not to mention the quarter-finals of the FA Cup. It would be a shame for their bubble to burst at The Hawthorns then, especially with the Tyne-Wear derby looming large, but in a problematic fixture, that is very much a possibility.

When the teams met at the Stadium of Light in their first encounter of the season, Sunderland needed to claw back a two-goal deficit in order to scrape a 2-2 draw. Then there was last season’s corresponding league meeting at The Hawthorns, a game which produced the solitary goal – Peter Odemwingie with West Brom’s winner. So this fixture has hardly been a bed of roses for the Black Cats in recent times, although times have changed a lot since either of those contests.

While Sunderland have had their fair share of struggles versus West Brom, it would take a very brave punter to oppose them this weekend. They’ve taken 22 of a possible 33 points since Martin O’Neill took charge, winning six of their previous nine in the league – which, of course, does not include their impressive 2-0 victory at home to Arsenal in the FA Cup last weekend.

As for the Baggies, Roy Hodgson’s side have won only two of their last eight Premier League fixtures and have the worst home record in the division, with just eight points registered from a possible 36 – they’ve not won at The Hawthorns for six games. However, being absent from last week’s FA Cup action should mean they have a slight advantage in the conditioning stakes, while they should still be buoyed by their 5-1 thrashing of Wolves at Molineux in their very last league game.

Form: West Brom (14TH) LWDLW; Sunderland (9TH) LWWWL

Key Stat: Sunderland have accrued as many points (18) in their last eight league matches as Manchester City and Manchester United.

Match Odds: West Brom 7/5; Draw 23/10; Sunderland 2/1 (StanJames)

Recommended Bet: Draw @ 23/10 (StanJames)

The 2011-12 FA Cup has reached the fourth round stage and while there is a disappointing shortage of lower league clubs left in the tournament, the draw has thrown up some mouthwatering contests to be played from Friday 27 through to Sunday 29 January.

With six all-Premiership ties and not a non-league side in sight, shocks will be few and far between over the course of the round. But the quality of the ties more than makes up for the distinct lack of underdogs, with Liverpool V Manchester United and QPR V Chelsea just some which catch the eye.

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Blackpool V Sheffield Wednesday (15:00 GMT)

Ian Holloway’s Blackpool were eliminated at only the third round stage in last season’s tournament, bowing out to League One opposition in the form of Southampton. They could suffer a similar fate at the hands of Sheffield Wednesday this weekend, who like Southampton are also going well in the third tier and head into the tie full of confidence.

Wednesday sit prominently in fourth in League One, level on points with the automatic promotion places after a comfortable 3-1 success at Scunthorpe on Tuesday. On the back of their midweek triumph, Gary Megson’s side will take a lot of confidence and momentum into Saturday’s Bloomfield Road contest, where a Blackpool team who thumped non-league Fleetwood Town 5-1 in the previous round reside. But if you thought that performance was impressive, how about Wednesday dumping out West Ham United at Hillsborough – the current leaders of Blackpool’s division, the Championship.

Key Stat: Blackpool have lost just twice at home all season, whereas five of Sheff Wed’s six league defeats this term were suffered on the road.

Match Odds: Blackpool 10/11, Draw 13/5, Sheff Wed 10/3 (BetVictor)

Bolton Wanderers V Swansea City

This all-Premier League meeting genuinely could go either way, as the betting suggests. Hosts Bolton are tentative 6/4 favourites, thanks largely to the fact they’re at home and possibly because they comprehensively defeated Liverpool at The Reebok last Saturday. And with one away win all term, I suppose Swansea were always going to be underdogs in this tie.

Bolton were exceptional against Liverpool in their last match, capitalising on what was a lethargic performance from the visitors, who undoubtedly had one eye on their midweek Carling Cup clash with Man City. There is unlikely to be the same complacency from Swansea, though, who sit eight-points clear of the Premier League relegation zone, which is where Bolton have spent most of the campaign thus far, and scored four times at Barnsley in the third round with striker Danny Graham netting three.

The visitors do appeal at 7/4; they retain possession so well and find themselves up against a team who have spent virtually the entire season so far languishing inside the Premier League relegation zone, and whom have the leakiest defence in the top flight.

Key Stat: Bolton have lost 8 of 11 Premier League home games this season, but Swansea have only been victorious on one occasion away from home against top flight opposition (0-2 Aston Villa).

Match Odds: Bolton 6/4, Draw 23/10, Swansea 7/4 (Bet365)

Derby County V Stoke City

Stoke made it all the way to final last season, before eventually losing the show-piece 1-0 to Manchester City. Emulating that successful forage will be a great deal harder second time around, especially if the draw continues to throw up testing assignment like this. A trip to Pride Park will not be straightforward for Tony Pulis & Co.

As you would expect, Stoke are the favourites. I wouldn’t want to be on them though, not at those odds and certainly not on current form. Their 2-1 home defeat to West Brom last time out meant it’s now one win in six Premier League games for the Potters, while they weren’t entirely convincing in despatching of Gillingham in the last round. They are also notoriously poor travellers, despite going three unbeaten away from home – including an impressive 0-0 draw away to Liverpool.

Furthermore, Derby are in splendid form. Rams boss Nigel Clough has witnessed his side go their last six unbeaten in all competitions, a run which did include five consecutive victories before a creditable 0-0 draw away to Burnley last weekend. They’ve also concede just once during this impressive run, winning four by the clinical score of 1-0.

A 1-0 home win has obvious appeal therefore at 9/1 (PaddyPower), especially with Stoke plundering the fewest number of away goals in the top flight this season (just 8 from their 11 outing so far).

Key Stat: Derby are unbeaten in six, winning five, whereas Stoke have mustered two wins from their previous seven (W2 D3 L2).

Match Odds: Derby 5/2, Draw 23/10, Stoke 11/10 (StanJames)

Hull City V Crawley Town

FA Cup romantics simply could not get enough of Crawley last season. Steve Evans’ Red Devils had to negotiate five rounds before finally seeing their efforts rewarded in the form of a fifth round tie with Manchester United, the most successful club in FA Cup history. Their experience of Old Trafford was one everyone involved with the club will savour forever, and was perhaps even the catalyst for a successful promotion push from the Conference National division, which they won at a cantor.

Now, as a member of the Football League, Crawley are bidding to repeat their giant-killing heroics and must overhaul a team who ply their trade two divisions above them if they’re to reach the fifth round for the second consecutive year. Confidence should be fairly high, with the team currently sat second in League Two, and had this been at home they might well of been favourites. But they’re not, and that could prove problematic for a team who have drawn four on the spin away from home in the league, against teams nowhere near the calibre of their fourth round opponents.

Nick Barmby has enjoyed a dream start to life as Hull City manager, winning seven of his first ten games in charge – four of five at the KC Stadium. He also runs a very tight ship in defence, one that has yet to concede two or more goals in a game under his tutelage, so a clinical display from the home side should see them come out on top for the fourth match in a row.

Key Stat: Hull have won four of their last five matches at the KC Stadium, but Crawley are without defeat in ten away from home.

Match Odds: Hull 4/5, Draw 5/2, Crawley 7/2 (WilliamHill)

Leicester City V Swindon Town

League Two high-flyers Swindon are 6/1 underdogs in their match with Championship side Leicester at the King Power Stadium, this in spite of the fact Paulo Di Canio’s men dumped out Wigan Athletic in the third round after a come-from-behind victory over the Premier League outfit. Value? Based on their prolific form in the competition thus far, I would say so.

Swindon, who have lost only once in 22 games since the beginning of October, have been awesome up till now. Successive 4-0 victories away to Plymouth (League Two) and at home to Huddersfield (chasing promotion in League One) set up a third round clash with Premier League Wigan, who were also no match for Di Canio’s imperious charges as The Robins overcame a 1-0 deficit to win 2-1 at The Country Ground. All they need to complete a remarkable set of scalps is one from the Championship…

Leicester required a replay in order to book their place in the fourth round, although they did so with some style in the end, putting four past Nottingham Forest without reply in a 4-0 home success. They then followed that emphatic win up with a 2-0 triumph away to Southampton, who sit second in the Championship. In this vein of form, the Foxes may well devour The Robins.

Key Stat: Swindon have lost one of their last 22 matches in all competitions; meanwhile, Leicester have won only one of their previous five at home.

Match Odds: Leicester 1/2, Draw 3/1, Swindon 6/1 (Ladbrokes)

Millwall V Southampton

Finalists back in 2003, Southampton are wasting very little time bringing the good times back to St Mary’s. Promotion to the Premier League is on the cards after a scintillating start to the season, with Nigel Adkin’s men occupying second in the Championship with a little over half of the term played, although his team have come right off the boil in recent weeks, winning just two of their previous eight league games in a run which has seen them relinquish top spot to West Ham.

Just two weeks ago Millwall were spanked 6-0 by Birmingham on their own patch. Their response was to thumped Dagenham 5-0 in their FA Cup third round replay, also at The Den, before going to Barnsley in the league and winning 3-1. That makes it two wins on the spin for Kenny Jackett’s team, who do unfortunately hover precariously above the Championship relegation zone, 21 points worse off than Southampton.

They sit at opposite ends of the table, but will that show? Considering Southampton were only 1-0 winners when the sides met at St Mary’s back on August 20, 2010 perhaps not especially as it’s Millwall who go into the tie with the momentum – they’ve won two on the spin whereas Southampton were beaten 2-0 at home by Leicester earlier in the week.

Key Stat: Millwall haven’t recorded a win over Southampton for almost 23-years, failing in their previous nine attempts.

Match Odds: Millwall 15/8, Draw 12/5, Southampton 6/4 (BetVictor)

Sheffield United V Birmingham City

An intriguing clash this, between two former Premier League sides. I actually make Birmingham the favourites, despite Sheffield United boasting home advantage at Bramall Lane.

Chris Hughton’s Blues are flying at the minute, winning their last four matches on the spin which inludes a 1-0 win away to Midlands rivals Wolves in their third round FA Cup replay. Either side of that derby success were emphatic league wins as well, first away to Millwall (0-6) before putting Watford to the sword at home (3-0). So they’ll no no shortage of confidence in the Birmingham camp, that’s for sure.

The same applies to United, too, who are third in League One and are kept out of the automatic promotion spots on goal difference alone. They’ve also won a staggering eleven of their last thirteen in all competitions, winning eight on the spin at Bramall Lane, doing so by an aggregate of 22-5. But Birmingham are far leaner than any opposition they have faced all season., although the Blades have won three of the previous four meetings in Sheffield.

Key Stat: Sheffield United are seeking a ninth consecutive home win; however, Birmingham are on a run of four straight victories.

Match Odds: Sheffield United 8/5, Draw 12/5, Birmingham 8/5 (SkyBet)

Stevenage V Notts County

The draw for the fifth round is guaranteed to include at least one club from League One, which is a good thing, as come the draw Stevenage or Notts Country could be the lowest ranked team left in the competition. However, correctly predicting who will make the cut is excruciatingly difficult.

On current form, Stevenage are sure-fire winners. The club are under new management, with 43-year-old former Colorado Rapids manager (Major League Soccer) Gary Smith replacing Graham Westley, but that did not stop them from recording a 4-2 victory over promotion rivals MK Dons on Tuesday – a result which stretched their unbeaten run to four, having lost the one solitary game since October 8, 2011 (W12 D5 L1).

It is the complete opposite at Notts County, who began the season so well but have fallen so dramatically by the wayside from December onwards. Their 0-0 draw with Preston in midweek extend their winless run in the league to eight games, with their only successful outcome during an otherwise dismal month of football being a 2-0 victory at Doncaster in the third round of the FA Cup.

However, it was Notts County who prevailed when the two sides met for the very first time this season back in August – at Stevenage as well – with the Magpies winning 2-0 at Broadhall Way. Could a repeat be on the cards, or will an in-form Boro exact their revenge?

Key Stat: Notts County’s only win in nine was a 2-0 win at Doncaster in the previous round of this competition, while they were also 2-0 winners over Stevenage in the corresponding fixture back in August.

West Bromwich Albion V Norwich City

Just four points separate them in the Barclay’s Premier League, so one expects there won’t be a great deal to choose between them come full-time at The Hawthorns – as was the case when they clashed at this very ground precisely two weeks ago, a contest that was won 2-1 by the visiting Canaries.

Out of instinct perhaps, bookmakers have installed West Brom as favourites here. I fail to see how they make a side who have not recorded a win at home over top flight opposition in over two months favourites, especially one that has plundered the fewest number of goals on home soil (8, which is less than a goal per game).

Norwich are one of seven teams to have gone to The Hawthorns and won this season, so you’re getting tremendous value on a team who know exactly what it takes to beat the Baggies in their own backyard. Paul Lambert’s men are also in decent form; they’ve lost just one of their last eight top flight fixtures and are currently unbeaten in their last four, which does include back-to-back away wins at QPR and West Brom.

Both teams racked up four goals in the third round, though it was Norwich who produced the more accomplished performance. The Canaries were 4-1 winners at home to Burnley, who were in good form themselves at the time, whereas West Brom edged out Cardiff 4-2 (the final scoreline did flatter Roy Hodgson and his team). This could boil down to which manager fancies it more, as I suspect both Roy Hodgson and Paul Lambert could make several changes to the teams that faced each other a fortnight ago.

Key Stat: Norwich have won more times away from home in the Premier League this season than West Brom have at The Hawthorns, scoring almost twice as many goals to boot (15 away compared with West Brom’s 8 at home).

Match Odds: West Brom 19/20, Draw 11/4, Norwich 13/5 (WilliamHill)

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FA Cup 2011-12 Outright Betting:

Chelsea – 9/2 (PaddyPower)

Manchester United – 6/1 (BetVictor)

Tottenham – 6/1 (StanJames)

Arsenal – 15/2 (Coral)

Liverpool – 10/1 (BetVictor)

Sunderland – 20/1 (Ladbrokes)

Newcastle – 20/1 (Ladbrokes)

Everton – 25/1 (StanJames)

Stoke – 28/1 (BetVictor)

Fulham – 40/1 (StanJames)

50/1 Bar The Rest

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 V Aston Villa

Date & Kick-Off: Saturday, 10 December 2011 – 15:00 GMT

Venue: The Reebok

Preview

It could pay to follow not only the form book but history as well at The Reebok on Saturday, where second from bottom Bolton host ninth in the table Aston Villa in Lancashire. Four of the previous six Premier League meetings at Bolton have ended all-square, so with neither bringing any winning momentum to the fore, the stalemate does boast enormous amounts of appeal.

A share of the spoils wouldn’t be much use to Bolton, though, with the Trotters in urgent need of all three if they’re to make a long-awaited return to safety, having spent much of the term languishing in the relegation zone. Just three wins all season, from fourteen, speaks volumes, though, about their chances.

There is at least some good news for the hosts. Central defender Gary Cahill, whom scored twice as Bolton recorded a 3-2 win in this fixture last season, has had his red card at White Hart Lane rescinded meaning he is eligible to face his former club at the weekend.

The bad news? Well, there’s loads of the stuff. No team in the Premier League has conceded more goals (34), registered fewer points at home (3) or are currently on a longer losing streak than Owen Coyle’s side (3). Meanwhile, defender David Wheater will serve the second of his three-match suspension.

Aston Villa themselves are shorn of a number of influential figures, although none more pivotal than goalkeeper Shay Given. The Republic of Ireland keeper has bundles of experience, is a commanding presence behind the back-four, and is the main reason why the team have drawn so many games this season; without him, Villa’s lack of potency in the final third would be exposed to wide-spread criticism.

Last week’s 1-0 loss at home to Manchester United stretched Villa’s barren run in front of goal to three games – a little over six hours in total since their last Premier League goal. Hence why large sections of the Villa Park faithful are vehemently against this Alex McLeish regime.

Difficult to beat they most certainly but attractive, entertaining football has been sacrificed as a result and fans aren’t best pleased. The attackers are barely getting a touch of the ball these days, with Darren Bent often cutting the shape of a forlorn figure roaming about up top on his lonesome. As for their big summer signing, Charles N’Zogbia didn’t even make the bench for the visit of United, which naturally sparked rumours of mutiny in camp.

Worrying times then, with the relationship between supporters and manager fractious to say the very least. Losing both Shay Given and Jermaine Jenas to injury only serves to dispirit the camp further, one which has now gone over a month since tasting victory and are without an away win so far, drawing five of seven on the road.

Match Pointers

- Four of their last six Premier League meetings at The Reebok ended with the sides sharing the spoils, though it was Bolton who came out on top in their most recent encounter in Lancashire – central defender Gary Cahill scored twice as Bolton won 3-2 on 5 March, 2011.

- Bolton sit second from bottom in the table after winning only three of their fourteen Premier League games thus far (W3 D0 L11); their record at The Reebok reads a dispiriting W1 D0 L6.

- The Trotters are currently on a run of three consecutive league defeats, the last two without scoring.

- Although they have won as few a games as Bolton, Aston Villa sit ninth in the table (W3 D7 L4), mainly due to the sheer number of draws they’ve had (7).

- Alex McLeish’s Villa have yet to register their first away win of the season (D5 L2), failing to score in each of their previous two.

Betting

Two teams who simply cannot buy a win go head-to-head at The Reebok, where four of the previous six league encounters between the two sides have ended in a draw. You sense where this is heading? Under the circumstances, having lost three on the bounce, merely avoiding defeat would be a step in the right direction for Bolton. But a point isn’t enough for the Trotters to leap out of the relegation zone, and a point wouldn’t be all that good a result considering their opponents are out of sorts themselves and without an away win all season.

Bolton have conceded their fair share, the most of any top flight team in fact, but Villa have offered very little going forward. Darren Bent is a ruthless finisher, but it’s impossible for him to score if chances aren’t being made for him. Bolton have struggled going forward as well and had it not been for their 5-0 mauling of Stoke in November, their figures would make for miserable reading.

Can’t say that I’m taking with either side if truth be told. The fact this is a winnable fixture for both could ensure we at least avoid a dour goalless draw, however I doubt there will be an awful lot to choose between them so the draw seems a logical punt.

In terms of value, Gary Cahill scoring against his former could be worth a crack, especially as the England centre-back received a touch of good fortune in midweek having his red card at Tottenham last weekend rescinded.

Prediction: Draw – 12/5 SkyBet

Value Bet: Gary Cahill to Score – 15/2 PaddyPower

Match Odds

Bolton – 8/5 Ladbrokes

Draw – 12/5 SkyBet

Aston Villa – 2/1 Bet365

Tottenham Hotspur V Bolton Wanderers

Date & Kick-Off: Saturday, 3 December – 15:00 GMT

Venue: Ewood Park

Preview

Bolton could climb out of the relegation zone with a rare win at White Hart Lane on Saturday, however they’ve not won there since 2004 and with Tottenham in sparkling form domestically, it’s difficult to imagine that particular drought coming to an end any time soon. Meanwhile, Spurs would go second with a win of their own – albeit probably on a temporary basis – with second placed Manchester United not in action until later that evening.

No lack of incentives for both sides then, which should hopefully mean an entertaining game beckons – though my money, and I think virtually everyone else’s is, is on the home side putting on a show.

Spurs are in glistening form, having won nine of their last ten league matches in an unbeaten sequence, and, after climbing to third in the table – above such likes as Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool, are even being touted for a possible tilt at the title.

Last week’s 3-1 victory at The Hawthorns over West Brom was their fifth in a row domestically, the last four of which were by a clear two-goal margin, with the only real negative to come out of the Spurs camp being their almost certain elimination from the UEFA Europa League, after Thursday’s 2-1 reverse at home to PAOK Saloniki left them needing a minor miracle to qualify.

Fortunes at Bolton are in stark contrast. Their situation is bleak, which is putting it mildly. The Trotters have spent almost the entirety of the term inside the bottom three, taking a dismal nine points from a possible 69 on offer, while their tally of 31 goals conceded is the worst in the top flight; though, they have shipped far fewer on their travels. But travelling isn’t their forte either; since last December, Bolton have lost a remarkable 15 of 18 Premier League away games.

The statistics are kind of overwhelming, with everything pointing towards a fourth straight win for Tottenham over Bolton at White Hart Lane. Even more damning is the fact Tottenham have seen off the challenges of Arsenal (2-1) and Liverpool (4-0) at home this season, two sides who comprehensively beat Owen Coyle’s men at the Emirates (3-0) and Anfield (3-1) respectively.

Can Bolton spring a surprise? Spurs could be missing a few key players, none more influential than Rafael Van der Vaart, but Bolton have struggled to even compete away from home at times and another lacklustre away performance could see them on the receiving end of another spanking. After all, Owen Coyle is sole owner to the league’s leakiest defence, whereas his opposite number has a dazzling array of forward options at his disposal.

Match Pointers

- Tottenham have triumphed in each of the last three Premier League meetings at White Hart Lane, with Bolton’s last win there dating back to 2004.

- Spurs have only lost one of their last 22 Premier League home games (W13 D8 L1), winning each of the previous four.

- Striker Emmanuel Adebayor has scored a brace (two-goals) in each of his last two starts.

- Bolton have lost s staggering 15 of their last 18 away Premier League games (W2 D1 L15), eight of which were without scoring. Their only victories during this abysmal run came at QPR and Wigan.

- The Trotters are the only Premier League side yet to draw a game this season, winning three and losing ten of thirteen so far.

Betting

Gareth Bale in full flight down the wing, Scott Parker breaking down the majority of the Bolton attacks, Luka Modric returning from illness to bolster the levels of guile and craft. Throw in a goal-hungry Emmanuel Adebayor, who has four in his last two starts, and you naturally start fearing the worst for Owen Coyle and Bolton, who have lost four of their last five away matches.

I simply do not see any hope for Bolton. Of course, shocks spring up all the time in the Premier League, so I’d be wary about sticking Tottenham in your weekend accumulators, especially as they aren’t really worth the bother at odds of around 1/3, but nevertheless I am struggling to envisage anything other than another comfortable win at home for high-flying Spurs.

Match Outcome: Tottenham to WIN – 1/3 StanJames

Value Bet: Tottenham 2-0 (Correct Score) -7/1 WilliamHill

Match Odds

Tottenham – 1/3 StanJames

Draw – 9/2 Ladbrokes

Bolton – 12/1 VictorChandler

Arsenal V Bolton Wanderers

Date & kick-off: Saturday, 24th September 2011 – 15:00 (GMT)

Venue: Emirates Stadium

Preview

On the back of morale boosting cup wins, Arsenal and Bolton clash in north London keen to put their dismal start to the new league season behind them in a battle of the beleaguered sides. The Gunners have taken just four points from their first five games, conceding a staggering 14 times in the process – the third worst defensive tally at this stage of the term in Premier League history – while Owen Coyle’s Bolton have fared worse and currently lye second from bottom in the table after four straight league defeats.

Defeat for either could land them with the humiliating honour of propping up the table in 20th, so there is no shortage of incentives as two teams playing for pride as well as points come together for a contest we can all jokingly dub a ‘relegation six-pointer’.

Arsenal

League Position: 17th

League Form: LWLLD

Amidst all the strife and heartache which has stemmed from their worst start to a season for over half-a-century, Arsene Wenger insists he wants to remain at the Arsenal helm for another 14 years. The Frenchman has been unfazed by his team’s slow start to the season – their only league win thus far came at home to promoted Swansea, and what a close shave that was – and despite the embarrassment of scoring two own goals in a shock 4-3 defeat away to Blackburn in their most recent league assignment, the fans showed their commitment to the flagging Arsenal cause – as well as their support for Wenger – by turning out in their thousands on Tuesday to see a ‘routine’ Carling Cup win over League Two side Shrewsbury at the Emirates.

There is, however, no getting away from what is Arsenal’s worst start to a league campaign for more than 50 years. One win in five is woeful enough but to be leaking goals in the manner they have been, is just appalling – and unacceptable for a club which claims to be one of the biggest on the continent. Their four concessions away to Blackburn last Saturday in a 4-3 defeat – what was a new low fans didn’t think their side could reach after their 8-2 drubbing at Old Trafford in their previous away outing – extend their tally of goals conceded to a remarkable and alarming 14.

With Belgian centre-back Thomas Vermaelen no nearer to a return after going under the knife for an ankle problem last month, Arsenal’s defensive frailties will once again be on show for the foreseeable future – lamented by a slow, sluggish and down-right average German centre-half by the name of Per Mertesacker. On the plus side, however, their opponents this week are that of a team who have a truly awful away record – Bolton have lost twelve of their previous fourteen Premiership matches on the road, failing to score in seven – and who knows, a clean sheet against the Trotters, who sporadically locate the back of a home team’s net, may be the boost in confidence the Gunners’ back-four clearly craves.

It’s easy to simply pile the brunt of the blame on the defence, one lacking communication – two, Mertesacker and Andre Santos, have recently joined the club and may not speak fluent English – cohesion and any sense of organisation or leadership. But going forward, Arsenal have lacked any fluency to their game with the deadline day arrival of Mikel Arteta failing to ignite the Gunners so far. Striker Robin Van Persie has been so isolated up top it’s frightening, this a player who lest not forget plundered 19 league goals last season despite missing much of the early stages.

The return from suspension of Gervinho is a massive boost, a player who will go at defenders with his unrelenting pace, while I would be shocked if Wenger retains Andrey Arshavin – who was once again abysmal last time out at Ewood Park – in his starting line-up, with Theo Walcott almost a certainty to start on the right-hand-side of midfield. Kieran Gibbs could also replace Andre Santos at left-back, the Brazilian who was found wanting on numerous occasions against Rovers.

Bolton

League Position: 19th

League Form: LLLLW

Bolton gave their ailing confidence levels a significant boost with progress in the Carling Cup during the week, as goals from Chris Eagles and loanee Gael Kakuta sealed a comfortable 2-0 win over Premier League rivals Aston Villa at Villa Park. Now last season’s poorest travellers head to a nightmare venue of theirs – Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium – desperate to avoid a sixth successive away defeat to the Gunners that would almost certainly consign them to a spell in the basement of the Barclay’s Premier League.

Currently, after five league games played, Bolton find themselves one of the bottom but level on points with West Brom, who face Fulham at home the same afternoon. So the prospect of doing time at the bottom is very much a reality, especially when you factor in their poor record away record to Arsenal in the league and their terrible, no disastrous away form.

A 4-0 rout of QPR – this before Rangers bolstered their ranks considerably and shrewdly – on the opening weekend was Bolton’s first maximum haul away from home for fourteen games. They were promptly beaten 3-1 next time out, at Liverpool, in what was their twelfth reverse in that dismal sequence. The Trotters have also lost on each of their last five visits to Arsenal – conceding four in each of their previous two visits to the Emirates – while you need to be an historian to remember the last time the Trotters were victorious on their travels against the Gunners in the league: 13 January, 1962.

Trotters boss Owen Coyle didn’t make as many changes as many anticipated for Tuesday’s Carling Cup tie with Aston Villa, which was in stark contrast to his opposite number, Arsene Wenger, who went wholesale. Gary Cahill, Gretar Steinsson, Chris Eagles and David N’Gog all started at Villa Park, with Paul Robinson and Kevin Davies both making an appearance in the second period, while there was also a very pleasing sighting of American Stuart Holden. The defensive-midfielder hasn’t featured since February through injury and could now be in line for his first league appearance of the season.

Former Liverpool striker David N’Gog could also earn his first start since joining the club in the summer, the Frenchman who helped win his side a penalty in last week’s home humbling to Norwich and will replace Ivan Klasnic in the starting XI as the Croatian serves a three-match suspension for seeing a straight red against the Canaries. Defender Tyrone Mears and midfielder Lee are both long-term absentees for Coyle.

Match Pointers

Bolton have lost on each of their previous five visits to Arsenal in the Premier League and have not beaten the Gunners on their own patch since 1994, during an FA Cup tie – their last league win at Arsenal was way back in 1962.

Arsenal have notched precisely 4 goals in each of the last two league meetings with the Trotters at the Emirates Stadium.

Just two teams in the history of the Premier League have conceded more goals than Arsenal in their opening five fixtures, who have shipped 14 goals thus far, which is almost an average of three-goals conceded per-game.

Arsene Wenger’s team have won two of their last twelve league fixtures (W2 D4 L6).

The Gunners haven’t managed to score more than once in a home league game since February, failing to do so in each of their previous eight.

Bolton, who lye second from bottom in the league, have suffered defeat in nine of their previous ten Premier League matches and have won only one of their last fourteen on the road (W1 D1 L12).

During the aforementioned away run, Bolton failed to score on seven occasions including on visits to Chelsea, Man Utd and Man City.

Betting Verdict

Under the circumstances, it would take a brave man to back Arsenal at odds-on. That said, their record against Bolton is imperious in north London – they are searching for their sixth straight win over the Trotters in the capital and have hit the Lancashire club for four in each of the previous two league meetings at the Emirates.

Furthermore, Bolton will feel rejuvenated after their impressive win at Aston Villa in midweek whereas Arsenal struggled for periods to overcome Shrewsbury, who ply their trade down in the nPower League Two.

I so want to oppose Arsenal and jump on the bandwagon, but asking Bolton to get a result away from home isn’t a recipe for success. The Trotters have avoided defeat in just two of their last twelve away matches in the Premier League, failing to even score in seven of their last fourteen on the road, and while Arsenal’s defence has rolled out the red carpet for opposing attackers this season – and will probably do so again at the weekend – I don’t a Bolt defence that was exposed by Norwich last week and ripped apart by Manchester United the previous week being able to withstand the Gunners at the Emirates.

Match Prediction: Arsenal to WIN – 1/2 WilliamHill

Value Bet: Over 3.5 Goals – 6/4 PaddyPower

Match Odds

Arsenal – 1/2 WilliamHill

Draw – 7/2 Bet365

Bolton – 15/2 VictorChandler

Bolton Wanderers V Norwich City

Date & kick-off: Saturday, 17th September 2011 – 15:00 (GMT)

Venue: The Reebok Stadium

Preview

This will be just the third ever Premiership meeting between the two sides yet already, just five games into the season, it’s a pivotal one between free-falling Bolton, who have now lost three games on the spin in the league following their emphatic 5-0 home defeat at the hands of Manchester United last weekend, and a Norwich side still looking for their first Premiership victory for well over six years – it has been a great deal longer since they were victorious on their travels, mind.

Statisticians will tell you that most of the numbers would suggest a home triumph for Owen Coyle and Bolton, who dropped just two points against newly promoted sides last term. Meanwhile, Norwich have failed to win any of their last 30 Premiership fixtures on the road. However, it is the latter’s performances which have been encouraging – creating chances aplenty away to Chelsea and at home to West Brom, albeit in defeats – whereas Bolton have now shipped 11 goals in their last three league games, all losses, not to mention losing eight of their previous nine in the Premier League, four of which coming at The Reebok.

Bolton

League Position: 14th

League Form: LLLW

It all began so encouragingly with a 4-0 trouncing of Queens Park Rangers in London, which culminated in Bolton spending the first day of the season atop of the standings. It has, however, been a steep decline ever since – a 5-0 loss at home to Manchester United was their third successive league defeat, having lost to both Manchester City (2-3) and Liverpool (3-1) in August – and now the Trotters find themselves hovering precariously above the bottom-three in the table, just a point better off than Norwich.

Bolton boss Owen Coyle felt the final score at home to Manchester United last week wasn’t a fair reflection on how his team played. I couldn’t agree more. United could and perhaps should have notched double figures such was the dominance they enjoyed and the ease at which they tore through a bewildered Bolton defence that has now conceded eleven goals in its last three Premier League matches.

The one positive for Bolton is that all three of their recent defeats have come against high calibre opposition, the finest in the league in fact. It will get easier soon enough, starting with Norwich at home, but unfortunately losses are damaging, particularly when they came in bouts, and even more so when they’re attached with lots of goals.

Owen Coyle is a fantastic motivator, and no doubt he will try to rally the troops ahead of a massive weekend fixture against a side they really ought to be beating at home, comfortably some might say, but I wasn’t encouraged by how quickly heads dropped against United so I do have reservations over their mental toughness at the minute, and what their response would be should they fall a goal behind on Saturday.

Sam Ricketts and Stuart Holden are closing in on their returns to the first-team after recovering from nasty injuries that have kept them sidelined for a considerable period, so that could be the boost the Bolton dressing room clearly needs right now. Coyle may also decide now is the perfect time to hand Gael Kakuta and David N’Gog their first starts for the club, the pair who joined The Reebok on a frenetic deadline day.

Team News – Marcos Alonso, Sean Davis, Sam Ricketts, Tyrone Mears and Lee Chung-Yong are all ruled out, Stuart Holden could make the bench after featuring for the reserves in midweek. David N’Gog could make his first start for the club, as could Gael Kakuta and Dedryck Boyata who are on loan at The Reebok.

Norwich

League Position: 17th

League Form: LLDD

Canaries manager Paul Lambert has spent much of the season ruing costly errors, with his Norwich team having made numerous mistakes that have cost them dear. To concede a penalty in each of their league games so far is simply suicidal, even though two of the four spot-kicks were saved by goalkeepers John Ruddy and Declan Rudd, and so the players only have themselves to blame for collecting a miserly sum of two points from their opening four games as the club and its supporters still wait with baited breath for Norwich’s first Premiership win for over six-years.

In terms of their performance though, Norwich have been very impressive in the early stages. In just one of their four games so far have they conceded more than a solitary goal – that was against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in a 3-1 defeat, though two of those Chelsea goals didn’t come until the last ten minutes of the game.

Goalscoring opportunities have by no means come at a premium either, in fact they create several gilt-edged chances every game it would seem. But it would appear goalscorers are in short supply. Just three goals thus far isn’t a healthy return, not when you consider some of the teams they’ve played: West Brom at home, Stoke and Wigan away. Grant Holt has been prolific wherever he has plied his trade, however the Premier League has so far exposed the 30-year-old journeyman, whose only goal this season strangely enough came at Stamford Bridge of all places, although it did come courtesy of a horrible mistake from Hilario, the Blues keeper who was deputising for Petr Cech.

When a team invariably struggles to convert the many chances they create, that is normally an ominous sign. You don’t get many in the Premier League, something Paul Lambert is all to aware of, and the longer their profligacy continues, the deeper the mire they’ll find themselves in. Another defeat on Saturday, what would be their third in a row, would consign them to the relegation zone, yet I don’t see who the Norwich boss can throw into the mix in order to add some much-needed impotence.

Team News – Simeon Jackson, Steve Morison and Wes Hoolahan could all be drafted in after starting last week’s home defeat to West Brom on the bench, however Daniel Ayala is out injured with a knee problem.

Match Pointers

This will be only their third Premiership meeting, with both the home teams winning by a single goal during the 2004/05 term.

Bolton have lost three league matches on the spin since their crushing victory at QPR on the opening weekend (W1 D0 L3).

Norwich are also on a losing streak having lost their last two in the league (W0 D2 L2).

The Trotters took seven points from nine against promoted teams at home last season, scoring nine and conceding three.

Owen Coyle’s side have, however, lost eight of their last nine Premiership matches (W1 D0 L8), with four of those defeats occurring at The Reebok.

The Canaries haven’t won any of their previous 30 away from home in the Premier League, with their last away win in the top-flight dating back to February 1995.

Betting Verdict

Looking through Paul Lambert’s squad, I don’t see how the Norwich manager can change things up to any great degree. He needs a response though, that’s for certain. For me, Wes Hoolahan has to start for games. The 29-year-old, who has started Norwich’s last two league games on the bench, can make things happen with his enterprising runs out on the wings, and it was his link-up with forwards Grant Holt and Chris Martin which helped them earn back-to-back promotions. Chris Martin hasn’t ticked any boxes either, so don’t be surprised to see Steve Morison or Simeon Jackson named in the starting line-up.

In stark contrast, Bolton boss Owen Coyle has options – Gael Kakuta and David N’Gog are two young individuals eager to make an impression on the Premier League, particularly the latter who was never really given a chance on Anfield, according to some anyway. I actually felt N’Gog received a fair crack of the whip, he just didn’t perform the high standards Liverpool fans expect. Anyway, the Frenchman does offer something different up front, he’s far more of a goal threat than Kevin Davies and Ivan Klasnic who are more hold-up forwards than prolific goal-getters.

I’m not entirely sure Bolton warrant their odds-on price quote, however they were impressive at home last season – winning ten of nineteen at The Reebok, two of which were against promoted outfits – while their opponents simply can’t stop shooting themselves in the foot. Has to be a Bolton win for me, as I won’t be backing Norwich any time soon until I witness a vast improvement in their finishing.

Match Prediction: Bolton to WIN – 5/6 Totesport

Value Bet: Bolton to be winning 2-0 at Half-Time (Half-Time Score) – 10/1 Ladbrokes

Match Odds

Bolton – 5/6 Totesport

Draw – 13/5 Ladbrokes

Norwich – 4/1 Boylesports

Bolton Wanderers V Manchester United

Date & Kick-Off: Saturday, 10 September 2011 (17:30 GMT)

Venue: Reebok Stadium

TV Coverage: LIVE on ESPN

Preview

A typically ingenious effort from Michael Owen helped spare Manchester United’s blushes on their last visit to the Reebok, back in March of last year in a 2-2 draw. Bolton had taken the lead on two separate occasions through defender Zat Knight and Martin Petrov, and looked every bit the winners up until Owen’s glancing header eluded the clutches of Jussi Jaaskelainen in the 74th minute – so why can’t punters get enough of the visitors?

Quite simply, United are in infallible form at the minute. If anything the international break couldn’t have come at a more inconvenient time, immediately after their 8-2 demolition of former arch rivals Arsenal at Old Trafford. That was their third win in as many league fixtures, maintaining their flawless start to the season which has seen them notch more goals than anyone else – 13 – and register more points than everyone bar Man City.

Spearheaded by a striker who has seven goals in just four games for club and country in Wayne Rooney, who netted a classy hat-trick against the Gunners a fortnight ago and has formed a formidable partnership with Ashley Young, whom scored twice in that aforementioned match, it would take a brave punter to oppose Sir Alex’s flourishing devils – especially as Rio Ferdinand is fit to return, as is Scotland midfielder Darren Fletcher and Ecuador speedster Antonio Valencia. Nemanja Vidic and forward Danny Welbeck are still out injured.

Bolton have faltered since their opening day hammering of QPR at Loftus Road, succumbing to heavy defeats in their subsequent fixtures with Man City (2-3) and Liverpool (3-1). Rarely do they not compete at the Reebok though, where they lost just four times last season recording impressive wins over Arsenal and Bolton, and where second in the table Man City were made to squirm for their hard-earned victory last month.

So United may not have it all their own way for a change, especially if their dire form on the road from last season hasn’t been resolved: Sir Alex masterminded just five teams downfalls away from home in 2010/11, scoring twenty goals fewer yet conceding twice as many. His team weren’t entirely convincing away at West Brom on the opening weekend either, dominating possession but not really creating much, requiring a Steven Reid own goal in order to see off a spirited Baggies. There are few as spirited, more tenacious and industrious than Owen Coyle’s Bolton!

Match Pointers

Met 24 times in Premier League – United winning 16 to Bolton’s 3.

Seven of their twelve encounters in Bolton were won by the visitors, the Trotters prevailing on just one occasion, a 1-0 win back in 2007.

Last Reebok meeting finished 2-2, with United coming from behind twice.

Bolton lost last two league games conceding three in each ( Man City (h) 2-3 & Liverpool (a) 3-1)).

United won only one of last four on road in league, scoring just three goals.

No team has notched more goals in opening three league fixtures than United (13), with eight coming in their 8-2 demolition of Arsenal in most recent PL clash.

Wayne Rooney has netted in each league game so far this season, five in all, the striker who has six goals to his name against Bolton for United.

Betting Verdict

One of Owen Coyle’s biggest triumphs at Bolton was converting The Reebok into a fortress, a venue now synonymous with 90 gruelling minutes and no guarantee over the final outcome. North London duo Arsenal and Tottenham came a cropper their last season, as did Manchester United, while Manchester City so nearly came unstuck just a few weeks ago. So this isn’t as straightforward as just sticking Sir Alex’s men in your weekend accumulators and waiting for them to be announced comfortable winners for the fourth matchday in a row.

United were also very ordinary on their travels during 2010/11, winning just five times in the league. Moreover, Coyle has added to his ranks since they were last in action at the end of August, bringing in some intriguing youngsters that could all feature at some point. Gael Kakuta and Dedryck Boyata have joined on season-long loans while David N’Gog completed his £4Mil transfer from Liverpool.

I must say I’m impressed with Bolton’s business on the final day of the transfer window, however they were carved out far too easy for my liking when Manchester City paid them a visit last month. A typically spirited performance from Bolton saw them almost knick a point, but it was a rare off-day for the Citizens in defence and I doubt United will show the same complacency. Should be tight, though, while I can’t say the visitors are at appealing at the odds.

Match Prediction: Manchester United to WIN – 4/9 PaddyPower

Value Bet: Manchester United to WIN by 1 Goal (Winning Margin) – 5/2 WilliamHill

Match Odds

Bolton – 8/1 Bet365

Draw – 18/5 VictorChandler

Manchester United – 4/9 PaddyPower

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