Bolton Wanderers vs. Wigan Athletic Preview

Barclays Premier League

Football
Published: 06/02/2012

Despite their recent defeat to Norwich City at Carrow Road, Bolton Wanderers should have the edge over Wigan Athletic when they host the Latics in a relegation dogfight on Saturday February 11.

Up until that reversal, Owen Coyle’s side had enjoyed a short burst of form which saw them beat Macclesfield Town, Liverpool and Swansea in quick succession.

On top of that impressive treble of victories, Bolton also kept a clean sheet at home to Arsenal, giving them real confidence moving forward into the final and crucial last third of the campaign.

They could not, however, keep up the momentum against newly promoted Norwich who once again excelled in front of their own supporters to leave Bolton still wedged in amongst the bottom three of the Barclays Premier League.

But with a four point advantage over Wigan heading into this fixture, Bolton look a healthy bet at around even money to get back on the upgrade and move themselves away from the foot of the table.

Wigan stopped a torrid rot with a solid point at home to Everton in their last match however their courageous efforts at the DW Stadium have consistently been eradicated by their miserable away record - the main reason why they have accrued just sixteen points to date all season.

Roberto Martinez’ men have leaked 27 goals on the road – and although Bolton’s frontline is hardly the most potent in the division, the hosts should have enough in their locker to condemn Wigan to yet another away defeat.

Bolton have, by all accounts, been equally disappointing on the main at home, but holding Arsenal to a point and beating Liverpool convincingly should give them a solid platform to build upon.

They will need to do just that if they are to escape trouble as even in spite of those results they have only managed to garner eight points in total on their own turf.

Owen Coyle looks to be in a far better position than Martinez nevertheless and indications suggest that there is still a big room for improvement within his squad – unlike Wigan’s who have had their limitations well and truly exposed frequently throughout the season.

Although it is folly to suggest that any team is too good to go down, Bolton appear to be just that little bit better than their relegation rivals – and if they can return to winning ways, a safe manoeuvre away from the bottom three should be on the cards.

Wigan have been perennial strugglers in the Premier League and their borrowed time may be coming to an end. A win against Bolton could re-energise their bid for survival, but in all honesty it looks highly unlikely as it is the hosts who have recent form in the book.

The even money about Bolton should double backers investments at a canter and a half time full time wager at around 9/4 may also be worth a touch.

Wigan’s price of 11/4 seems way off the mark and overall it is difficult to forecast anything other than a comfortable home success.

Go To bet365
#Ad


Any odds displayed within this article were correct at the time of publishing (06/02/2012) but are subject to change.

06/02/2012     © Frixo 2024

Comment on this preview
Your Name:
Your Email:
What is  + 7
Commment: