Bolton v Wigan Preview

Posted on | February 11, 2012 | No Comments

This is another huge relegation encounter for the Premier League, with Bolton sat in 18th position while Wigan are at the foot of the division. However, the visitors know that should they manage to net all the points in this clash, they will go within just one point of their opponents and such a step could be crucial in their bid to avoid the drop.

After experiencing such a wonderful tenure over the past few years, many people are surprised at how Owen Coyle’s Bolton are faring this term. Wanderers did lose several players during the summer, yet most people thought that Coyle would have what it takes to reshape the Reebok Stadium outfit. However, there is still time for Bolton to turn around their season, with the club currently just one point adrift of safety. The club were dealt a huge blow in their last clash though, after going 2-0 down to newly-promoted Norwich. That result came after a draw against Arsenal and victory over Liverpool, meaning that supporters of Wanderers must have been incredibly frustrated. On a positive note, the club have recorded some exceptional results at the Reebok Stadium over recent weeks. In all competitions, Bolton have not lost in their last five at home, recording victories in three of those games.

Wigan on the other hand are in a much more severe situation and Roberto Martinez must be severely worried about how his team are going to cope for the remainder of the season. With five points already keeping them adrift of safety, a defeat in this game could be disastrous although looking at recent form, it certainly seems likely. The Latics have not won in ten games in all competitions, while they approach this game having lost four of their last five in the Premier League. The club did manage to net a promising draw against Everton in their last game, but that result only put a stop to a run of five straight defeats.

As for team news, Bolton are preparing to hand debuts to two players in the form of Tim Ream and Ryo Miyaichi. Elsewhere, Marcos Alonso will not feature as a foot injury hinders him, while Joe Riley and Gretar Steinsson could return if they can shake off their problems in time. It’s much quieter for Wigan on the other hand, with Roberto Martinez having no fresh concerns ahead of the encounter. He might decide to select Mohamed Diame after he returned from the Africa Cup of Nations, while he also has another option after Antolin Alcaraz recovered from a groin issue.

Even though Bolton are in an extremely precarious situation, we think their home advantage will count for everything in this clash. Wanderers have recorded some decent results at the Reebok Stadium in recent weeks, while opponents Wigan have struggled in every match they have participated in. Bearing this in mind, our tip will be a 1-0 victory for Bolton.

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3. Bolton vs Liverpool preview- 31st October
4. Liverpool vs Bolton Wanderers preview
5. Bolton Wanderers vs Manchester City preview

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