Prediction: Bolton vs Liverpool

20th January 2012

This could easily be one of the most interesting ties this Saturday, mostly because both sides are underperforming at the moment and are forced to go for all three points at Reebok. Bolton go into the game on the back of the 3:0 defeat at Old Trafford, whereas Liverpool are hoping to make amends for yet another slip up at Anfield.

What looked like a very promising season after the opening 4:0 win at Loftus Road quickly turned into a real nightmare for Bolton. Plagued by numerous injuries to the playing squad, the Trotters just couldn’t rediscover the form that had served them so well the previous season, and, as a result, they now sit deep in the relegation zone. Considering that the squad are probably as good as the one that largely impressed last term, everybody expects Bolton to start climbing the Premiership standings, but that has yet to happen. Owen Coyle’s side are showing occasional glimpses of quality, but with the players completely out of confidence and the dressing room atmosphere at an all time low, the Trotters don’t look like they are capable of winning this game. First choice keeper Jussi Jaskelainen is unlikely to start despite returning to training, but David Ngog will be given a chance to impress against his former club. That basically means that Kevin Davies is again set to start on bench, which could see him leave Reebok Stadium in the near future.

Boosted by the heavy summer recruitment as well as some very promising performances under Kenny Dalglish, Liverpool had high hopes before the season started. The Reds indeed started the season well, with very good showings on the travels hinting that the team were ready for big things, but it is the dismal home displays that could end up costing the Reds dearly at the end of the season. Liverpool remain one of just two unbeaten sides at home in the Premiership, but the record of 7 draws in 11 games at Anfield is just not good enough. Taking that into consideration as well as the disappointing performance against Stoke at the weekend, the Reds are probably better off playing Bolton at Reebok, although they will certainly have to show some improvement if they want to record sixth away victory of the season. Daniel Agger is expected to return to the starting line-up after being rested against Stoke, but Luis Suarez remains suspended.

Conclusion

Both teams are going through rough patch at the moment and we could see a pretty uneventful game at Reebok Stadium. Bolton are clearly out of confidence at the moment, and with Liverpool also in problems themselves, betting on under 2.5 goals looks like a good choice here.

Verdict: Under 2.5 goals

Best Odds: 1/1

Bookmaker: bet365