VERSUS
The Wanderers of Wolverhampton and Bolton share a rich history as founder members of the Football League, but their future as Premier League rivals hangs in the balance.
It will be one of those infamous relegation 'six-pointers' that fans and pundits always harp on about when Bolton Wanderers play host to Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Reebok Stadium on Saturday. Both clubs are firmly embroiled in the relegation dogfight, separated by only one point with Bolton in 18th and Wolves sitting two places higher.
It was expected that Bolton would experience a resurgence under Owen Coyle, when he left Burnley to replace the sacked Gary Megson in early January.
But having won only one Premier Leaue game in eight since becoming manager of The Trotters, ironically against his former employers, the expected upsurge in performances and results has failed to materialize. Burnley themselves currently lie only one place below Bolton in 19th spot by virtue of an inferior goal difference.
I think the most disturbing statistic to consider is the fact that Bolton have only scored two goals in the last six Premiership games and have an equally terrible defensive record to boot.
Wolves too have struggled for goals, and along with Portsmouth have the league's most ineffective attack.
Wolves, however have looked more promising in recent weeks. Mick McCarthy's men having beaten Spurs and despite losing to Premier League leaders Chelsea, at times played some positive football.
Wolves captain Karl Henry puts their change in fortune down to the new formation that McCarthy has implemented. The side now plays 4-5-1 rather than 4-4-2, which was used earlier in the season, and the switch seems to be working.
Henry claims the new formation makes the side harder to break down and helps them create more chances as Kevin Doyle is a willing battler and runner up front.
Those who fancy Wolves to continue impressing can get 10/3 on them to win with Betfred.
"There has been a definite improvement in our performances since we have gone to the five-man midfield," the captain said.
"We know the way the gaffer wants to play that formation and, definitely away from home, you don't need to be charging forward and being too gung-ho."
McCarthy has been full of praise for the ex-Reading hitman Doyle, and Betfred's online betting odds make him 7/1 to score first in the game.
The gaffer said his Irish forward could trouble even the best Premier League defences, and could prove to be a bargain at £6.5 million, if he scores the goals that keep Wolves in the top flight.
Currently, the Premier League betting suggests Wolves are more likely to be relegated than Bolton, but a win for McCarthy's men on Saturday could change that significantly.
It will be one of those infamous relegation 'six-pointers' that fans and pundits always harp on about when Bolton Wanderers play host to Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Reebok Stadium on Saturday. Both clubs are firmly embroiled in the relegation dogfight, separated by only one point with Bolton in 18th and Wolves sitting two places higher.
It was expected that Bolton would experience a resurgence under Owen Coyle, when he left Burnley to replace the sacked Gary Megson in early January.
But having won only one Premier Leaue game in eight since becoming manager of The Trotters, ironically against his former employers, the expected upsurge in performances and results has failed to materialize. Burnley themselves currently lie only one place below Bolton in 19th spot by virtue of an inferior goal difference.
I think the most disturbing statistic to consider is the fact that Bolton have only scored two goals in the last six Premiership games and have an equally terrible defensive record to boot.
Wolves too have struggled for goals, and along with Portsmouth have the league's most ineffective attack.
Wolves, however have looked more promising in recent weeks. Mick McCarthy's men having beaten Spurs and despite losing to Premier League leaders Chelsea, at times played some positive football.
Wolves captain Karl Henry puts their change in fortune down to the new formation that McCarthy has implemented. The side now plays 4-5-1 rather than 4-4-2, which was used earlier in the season, and the switch seems to be working.
Henry claims the new formation makes the side harder to break down and helps them create more chances as Kevin Doyle is a willing battler and runner up front.
Those who fancy Wolves to continue impressing can get 10/3 on them to win with Betfred.
"There has been a definite improvement in our performances since we have gone to the five-man midfield," the captain said.
"We know the way the gaffer wants to play that formation and, definitely away from home, you don't need to be charging forward and being too gung-ho."
McCarthy has been full of praise for the ex-Reading hitman Doyle, and Betfred's online betting odds make him 7/1 to score first in the game.
The gaffer said his Irish forward could trouble even the best Premier League defences, and could prove to be a bargain at £6.5 million, if he scores the goals that keep Wolves in the top flight.
Currently, the Premier League betting suggests Wolves are more likely to be relegated than Bolton, but a win for McCarthy's men on Saturday could change that significantly.
The Tip Of The Weekend:
Both teams will be desperate for a win but defensive lapses should ensure goals aplenty.
The tip of the weekend is a 2-2 draw @ 14/1 with Betfred - Saturday 27th February, kick-off 3pm.
By Drew Swainston
(Guest writer from Betfred on behalf of Beer Footy and Birds!)
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