Prediction: Bolton vs Birmingham

August 28th 2010

Bolton are looking to build on their impressive away win over West Ham and record another victory that would mark their best start to the Premiership campaign in nine years, whereas the Blues are also looking to continue the good run of results that saw them beat Blackburn and Rochdale in their last two games.

After taking Burnley as far as they could go, Owen Coyle has set his sights on doing with Bolton something similar to what Roy Hodgson has done with Fulham, and he seems to be on the right way. Without any big name players in the squad and with only Martin Petrov and Stuart Holden arriving in the summer, the Trotters have started the league campaign with four points out of six and they are now looking to build on their impressive start. The 3:1 win at Upton Park not only served as a big boost for the players’ morale but it also showed that Johan Elmander has got something to offer to the side after all, especially with Lee, Petrov and Davies assisting him in team’s attacking moves. Owen Coyle’s side are now up against a very good Birmingham side but if they keep up the high level of performance exhibited in the first two rounds, the Trotters can certainly hope for a good result at their Reebok Stadium. The absence of Sean Davis and possibly Ivan Klasnic shouldn’t be too difficult to bear.

Just like their next opponents, Birmingham have also picked up 4 points so far, but I don’t think even their own fans were impressed with team’s showings against Sunderland and Blackburn. The Blues largely struggled at the Stadium of Light despite having the numerical advantage during the entire second half and they were very lucky to deny Sunderland the win in that match. Alex McLeish’s side then needed a marvelous performance from keeper Ben Foster to keep them on level terms with Blackburn before Craig Gardner scored a brace to cancel out N’Zonzi’s opener and clinch the win for the St Andrews’ outfit. While the team definitely showed they’ve got character after twice coming from behind, if they continue playing like this, the Blues cannot hope for more than an honorable defeat at Reebok Stadium as they cannot always expect a smile from the Lady Luck. New signing Matt Derbyshire is pushing for the start after scoring against Rochdale in the Carling Cup, whereas James McFadden is doubtful with a groin injury and Kevin Phillips remain sidelined.

Conclusion

While Bolton look to have found their form early on, Birmingham do not look that impressive at all and they will need to show some improvement in order to get something from this game. Backing Bolton to win is not one of the safest football predictions you will find, but it is definitely worth a shot if you consider teams’ showings at the start of the season.

Verdict: Home win Bolton (1)

Best Odds: 23/20

Bookmaker: Victor Chandler