Bolton vs Arsenal

29/3- Arsenal would be the most disappointed sides in the premier league as after leading the pact for nearly the entire part of this season they now find themselves in the third position and 6 points to cover in the last 7 matches of the season. This weekend the Gunners prepare to take on Bolton, currently placed on the 18th position on the points table. Both teams are in desperate search of points, while Arsenal want points to try and win the championship, Bolton would be happy to survive in the premiership at the end of the season. In the last match played between both the sides which was played earlier this season Arsenal were able to win 2-0 at home and also the overall record would show Arsenal to be the dominant side as they have managed to win 8 of the 17 matches played between the sides where as Bolton have only 4 victories to their name. However while playing at home Bolton have won their last 3 matches against Arsenal and they would be looking to repeat that result.
Arsenal have not been in the best of forms and come into this match after an away loss against Chelsea last week. In the last 10 matches played Arsenal have only managed to win 4 while lost a match and drawn 5 matches. Against Bolton they would like to get the full points and anything less would be a disappointment.
Bolton on the other hand would like to make the most of the home advantage and a win at this stage would help them immensely to move out of the danger zone. Bolton drew against a strong opponent like Manchester City last week and they would have to repeat such an effort.
Prediction: 0-1, Arsenal win

Wigan vs Bolton

16/3- Wigan have been a team that has fought adversity and reached a position on the points table where they can be a little relaxed about their future in the premier league.  They were a regular feature of the relegation zone in the first half of the season but a recovery in the last few matches has helped them climb up to the 13^th position on the points table, though only 3 points clear of the relegation zone the 5 positions higher than the relegation zone would boost their confidence. The last match between the two teams that was played earlier this season ended in a victory for the Bolton team and the score sheet read 4-1 in favour of the home team. However the head to head matches put the team at an even level as out of the 5 matches played between the two clubs in the past 15 years both the teams have won twice while there has been a draw as well. But the thing that would matter the most in the match this weekend is the current form of the teams and on that basis Wigan are surely the better team as of now.

Wigan come into this match after they were able to hold Arsenal for a draw last week in a home tie and they would be pretty confident about their chances especially with the home crowd behind them. In their last 5 matches they have won 2, drawn 2 and lost just 1 and a win here would help them get away from the relegation zone as well as move at least a spot or two towards the top half of the table.

Bolton on the other hand would want to get out of the relegation places and since they have played a match less than most other teams they stand a good chance of moving out and climbing positions.

Prediction: 1-1, draw

Bolton vs Liverpool

2/3- Liverpool are one of the teams that have been fairly consistent for the major part of the season and are currently going through a green phase and would want to take it forward in the match against Bolton, away from home. While Liverpool are in good form with just one loss in the last 10 matches, the home team has lost half of its matches when we look at their last 10 performances. One big advantage for Liverpool is that the last time the two teams clashed Liverpool had thrashed their opponents 4-0, playing at home and being in good away form is an added advantage for the side before going into this tie. Looking at the overall record as well Liverpool hold a distinct advantage over their rivals and have won 10 of the 17 matches played in the last 15 years.

Liverpool would be looking to strengthen their position at the top of the table and ensure that they can get through to the European competitions for the next year and their victory against Middlesbrough in a closely fought home encounter would have raised the confidence and moral of the entire team. With Torres out of action due to injury the fans would be hoping to see some Gerrard magic on the field and anything less than three points from this away encounter will be quite disappointing.

Bolton on the other hand would have the home crowd supporting them and they would like to end the series of losses that has been ongoing for the past two weeks. Bolton players would be down on confidence after they were thrashed 4-1 by Blackburn last week but at the same time they would have to ensure that they keep out of the relegation zone. With players like Anelka and Diouf the side can surely make a strong comeback.

Prediction: 1-1, draw

Blackburn vs Bolton

24/2- Blackburn have slipped out of the contention for the sixth spot for European championships in the last 4 weeks as they have lost one match while other three have been draws and currently on the 8^th spot they are 6 points behind the teams fighting it out. Bolton on the other hand are going through a lean phase as well and would have to beware of the relegation zone as they are just three points above the relegation teams. The last time both the teams had clashed Blackburn were able to win 1-2 in an away tie and they should aptly carry that confidence as they take on the same opponents at home. The overall record between the two teams is quite balanced however as Blackburn has won on 6 occasions while Bolton have managed 5 victories in the 19 matches played between the two sides. 

Blackburn would surely have the home advantage and they would want to make it count and get all the three points of this match. They would be disappointed after the loss last week but against the league leaders, Arsenal, there was little that the team could have done playing away from home but now is the time to perform for them and claw their way back in the last 12 matches. Santa Cruz has been their most prolific scorer and expectations would be high when takes on the field and the contribution from McCarthy and company would also be quite significant in the front end of the field.

Bolton on the other hand would be prepared for a tough match as they continue to struggle and find a place in the premiership for the next season. Their last match was a disappointing loss to Portsmouth in a home tie and to cover up for that they would have to put up an exemplary performance this match.

Prediction: 0-0,  draw

Bolton vs Portsmouth

9/2- Bolton would be really flying high after they were able to register their first away victory that came against Reading last week and they get ready to play hosts to the 10^th placed Portsmouth. While the sides are separated by 4 spots with Bolton placed on the 14^th place but the difference in terms of points is quite large at 10 points. Portsmouth would also be happy with their last week’s performance as they were able to hold Chelsea for a draw last week while playing at home and their performance against one of the best teams of the premiership was noteworthy. Bolton historically have been a dominant side as they have 6 wins in the 11 matches splayed before this in the past 15 years while 2 have been draws but Portsmouth have been in better form this season and cannot be counted out. The last time both sides met, earlier this season Portsmouth had won the tie 3-1 playing at home.

Bolton would be happy that they have most of their squad injury free and ready for selection while their opponents might be facing a different situation. Anelka has been the best goal source for Bolton this season with 10 goals to his credit. Nolan and Diouf have been good support in the team and to gain success at home all the three players are set to play important roles.

Portsmouth on the other hand can be said to be almost plagued with injuries and Diop is also missing from the mid field as he is on national duty for the African cup. Mwaruwari with 11 goals this season has by far been the best goal scoring option for Portsmouth and the team and fans would look up to him to deliver once again. Portsmouth would be looking for a victory but getting a point with this depleted side would not be a bad result as well.

Prediction: 1-1, draw

Bolton vs Fulham

29/1- With both the teams struggling at the bottom of the table there is a lot at stake when Bolton play hosts to Fulham. Fulham are down an out and at 19^th position on the points table the only place they can see is upwards. If they have a hope to survive in the premiership they need to start performing now and they still hold a theoretical chance to stay here. Fulham have not registered a single victory in their last 10 matches, in fact they have been on a losing streak and have lost their last 3 matches, the worst part is that in all losses they have been convincingly outplayed. Looking at the history between the two sides Fulham are the clear dominant force as they have won 8 of the 15 matches played and there have been 4 draws however the record might have to change this time as Fulham are a depleted side and have hardly showed any intent or plan. Fulham would have quite some points to prove as they go to Bolton after a tough last week when they were thrashed 0-3 by Arsenal in their own backyard. Dempsey and Davies would be the two players who could make a difference to the score line and if they manage to do so the Fulham defense would also have to rise to the occasion. With McBride, Elliot and Bouazza out of action the frontline and the mid field looks very fragile and only grit and determination from all players can now help them salvage some pride. Bolton on the other hand would be hoping to make the most of the out of form Fulham, though they are quite ahead of Fulham but the difference between them and the relegation zone is just a single point. They would not ilike to fall into a situation where they would have to fight for survival and hence 3 points from this match are highly essential. Prediction: 2-1, Bolton win

Newcastle vs Bolton

19/1- Newcastle has been struggling big time this season and that can be seen on the position they reflect in the premiership table. A regular in the top half of the table the team now finds itself in the bottom half and things are not looking good either. They have lost their last 4 matches and the team looks to be down and out. Their 11th spot on the table is a result of their performance in the beginning of the season after which they have not been able to do anything significant. Bolton on the other hand are a struggling unit as well, placed at the 15th position and are out of the relegation zone just because of the better goal difference, they would be hoping to capitalise on the bad form of their opponents and gain some points to move away from the bottom part of the table. Newcastle would be in a state of shock and would enter this match after a match that would haunt them, they were thrashed last week in an away tie at Old Trafford where they went down 6-0 to Man U. They have been performing well at home but need to get everything in place in order to gain some points from this tie, they have managed just a point from the last 5 matches. Martins is their most prolific striker and Zogbia is their pivotal player who has been controlling the game for the team but both these players have to give their best performance for the club to perform well. Bolton come after a loss to Blackburn at home and this would be playing on their mind. They have not won a single match away from home and this would be a hugely determining factor in their approach to this away tie. Anelka and Diouf are their best player by far and both would require to perform well to get their side some crucial points. Prediction: 1-1, draw

Bolton vs Derby

2/1- If there is one team that is apart from all the teams this season it has been Derby, they have been different for all the wrong reasons but their future seems to be like 2 other teams who would be relegated from the top zone. If they practically stand a chance of still surviving in the premiership is a huge ask but on current form it can be said to be impossible. They have lost 9 of their last 10 matches and the remainder one has been a tame draw, they hardly score and when away from home they can hardly get adequate possession hence it would be a tester for them when they travel to take on the Wanderers at Bolton in the new year. However the only fact that supports Derby is the history, in the last 5 matches between the two clubs 2 have been draws while the remainder 3 have been won by Derby and it will be absolutely great if the Derby players can keep that record alive.

 

Bolton, the home team have had their share of problems this season and have featured just above the relegation zone this season and the only positive aspect for them has been Anelka and the rumors of his transfer to Chelsea may just run a chill down the officials. They enter this match after two consecutive away losses, the last one being a 3-1 loss to Sunderland. They would be looking to cement their place and at least keep safe distance from the relegation zone.

 

Derby have half of their potential squad on their injury list, they have not been able to get going anytime in this season and this would be another trip where the players might take a drubbing. Happy new year is all one can say!!

 

Prediction: 3-0, Bolton win

 

Sunderland vs Bolton

29/12- With the premiership crossing the half way stage it is high time that teams lying of the table can try and do things to get out of the mess they are in after the initial part of the season. Two such teams would face off when the Bolton Wanderers travel to Sunderland, while Sunderland are the second last team on the points table in the 19^th position, Bolton are equally struggling at the 15^th position. While Sunderland are on a losing streak after losing 2 back to back matches, the last one being a 0-4 loss too Manchester United at home last week, Bolton have been following a pattern of wins and losses for the past few matches. They lost the last one 2-0 while traveling to Everton, they might just end up winning this one as per the pattern.

 

Bolton have a non depleted squad and have a wonderful striker in Anelka, what they have not been able to do is defend well as they have a great combination working ahead. Diouf has been a force to reckon with in the mid field and has played the role of the play maker for the side efficiently and he along with Anelka can be expected to play a huge role if the side is looking out for its first away win this season. Just 3 points above the relegation zone is no comfortable position and the Wanderers would want to start their move upwards before it is too late.

 

Sunderland on the other hand would have to face the hammer as their injury list consists of quite a few defenders and a second string defensive line against the class of the Bolton attack might just not work. With the forwards not being to deliver consistently there are little chances of survival on current form

 

Prediction: 0-2, Bolton win

Manchester City vs Bolton

15/12- While Manchester City are trying to get onto a European league spot, Bolton are in search of their last season glory. Going by the trends this season it will not be difficult to name a favorite this season, City have had a 100% win record at home this season and it will be really difficult to stop them. Bolton on the other hand have not won an away game in the premiership and will be facing an uphill task but as they say it does not take much time for fortunes to change in football, the same can be said about the Wanderers who have had a successful last week, they not only beat Wigan at home in the premiership as well as pulled of an away victory at Zvezda.

 

Manchester City currently lie on the 6^th spot but are on equal points as 4^th placed Liverpool and a victory again at home would possibly take them higher than their current spot in the league table. Bolton though a potential side has not fulfilled their premiership expectations this season and the major reason being the lack of performing strikers, they seem to be heavily depending on Anelka to score and Hadji Diouf seems to be the only other player who is playing confidently, more is expected of senior pros like Nolan and company and the Wanderers need to show some grit and determination to retain the spot they had earned last year.

 

Manchester City seems to be a more settled unit, though filled with individual talent like Petrov, Elano and Giovanni they have shown a lot of team spirit and have managed to put some memorable performances. The home fans would be expecting the full points to come their way and more over if they are able to climb up to the 4^th spot by the end of the weekend matches City can plan their way to European competitions next year.

  

Prediction: 2-0, Manchester city win

  

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