Prediction: Bolton vs Everton

12th February 2011

After losing to Tottenham last weekend, Bolton need a victory in order to remain in the top part of the table, but they will not have an easy job against revived Everton. The Toffees came from behind to beat Blackpool 5:3 last time out and they hope to pick up at least one point from Reebok Stadium.

Bolton have done a great job this season, as witnessed by the fact that this is the first year after quite a while when the Trotters are not just fighting to survive. The team have improved a great deal since Owen Coyle arrived at Reebok and despite the recent slump in form, the Trotters look capable of achieving top table finish. Following defeats to Stoke and Chelsea, Bolton have shown some improvement in last two games, having beaten Wolves at home and come very close to picking up a point from White Hart Lane, so this could be the game when they turn it around. Loan signing from Chelsea, Daniel Sturridge proved to be an instant hit, having scored in both games in the new shirt and he is set to keep his place on the left hand side, while Kevin Davies and Johan Elmander will continue up front. Jlloys Samuel resumed training after the lengthy spell on the sidelines, but he will not be in contention, while Gretar Steinsson remains injury doubt.

Despite being tipped to upset the newly established order at the top of the Premiership, Everton had a very indifferent start to the season and they have only recently started to show signs of improvement. Good performances against top 4 teams showed Everton indeed have a lot of potential, but the Toffees were unable to bring their A game when it really mattered and this is the reason why they are now just three points above the relegation zone. The 5:3 victory over Blackpool served as a major boost to their survival chances, but if it hadn’t been for the four-goal hero Louis Saha, who knows how the game would have unfolded. The French striker is now set to miss the Bolton trip through a hamstring injury, while Jack Rodwell is also set for a spell on the sidelines after picking up a groin injury while on international duty.

Conclusion

Both teams have more potential than they are currently showing, although Bolton have been doing much better than their opponents this season. Nonetheless, I still expect to see a very tight game between two evenly matched sides, so draw does look the most likely outcome here.

Verdict: Draw (X)

Best Odds: 23/10

Bookmaker: Victor Chandler