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The match stats below are compiled with major football betting markets in mind. They are presented as facts without recommendation, allowing you to spot trends and decide whether they have relevance as betting opportunities. Click any ‘Bet Now’ button to see a bet slip from that bookmaker.

NARRATIVE:

Bolton last won this fixture back in September 2002, though to be entirely fair five of the last six matches have ended all square. Villa have only failed to score on one occasion though the visitors will be disappointed at securing just five of the available fifteen points when the teams were level at half time. Bolton have only led at the interval once via the ten fixtures and couldn

Where do we start with this one then??? – Bolton lost 4-0 at home last weekend & Aston Villa were completely humiliated 7-1 by Chelsea it will be fascinating to see how both sides react here.
In terms of motivation to win the match then Bolton still need another win to guarantee their safety & Aston Villa need to win every game if they are to have any chance of achieving 4th place so both sides should be fully up for this one.

Owen Coyle will demand his Bolton respond in the right way after their 4-0 home defeat by Manchester United & he will certainly expect the Bolton players to show a real desire & determination to give the home fans something to compensate for last weekend.

Bolton were actually not that bad against Manchester United until the 1st goal went it but after that they failed to compete properly & really did not do enough to test Manchester United out & they will certainly look to improve on that here.

The fact Aston Villa conceded 7 against Chelsea last weekend & 12 goals in their last 4 games does give Bolton hope & certainly the likes of Kevin Davies, Matt Taylor, Klasnic, Elmander can all cause problems for the Aston Villa defence.

Martin O’Neill was completely mortified by his sides pathetic display in losing 7-1 against Chelsea & his depressed, downbeat response when interviewed said everything we needed to know about how disappointed he was so we do definitely expect a response from Aston Villa here.

Martin O’Neill will demand that the Aston Villa players show pride & the determination to get back to winning ways in the league as Aston Villa have only won 1 of their last 5 Premier League matches.

That poor run of form has all but destroyed their hopes of achieving 4th place & now their target is to get as many points as possible to hold off the challenge of Everton for 7th place so they really do have to start performing & winning.

Aston Villa have actually been pretty good away from home this season, being hard to beat & carrying a threat to their opponents and it will be vital that the likes of Agbonlohar, Milner, Young, Downing, Carew & Heskey line up here & play to their best.

Both Bolton & Aston Villa have been defensively fragile in recent weeks & there is every reason to believe that both teams will score so a competitive, scoring draw looks the value bet here & the fact 5 of the last 6 meetings here have finished in a draw makes that an even more tempting bet.

Betting Recommendations:

Outright Match Result: DRAW

Correct Score predictions: 1-1/2-2

First Goalscorer each way/Player to score anytime: Davies/Taylor/Carew

Scorecast options: Davies/Taylor/Carew score 1st & 1-1/2-2

Double Result: DRAW H/T & F/T

The match stats below are compiled with major football betting markets in mind. They are presented as facts without recommendation, allowing you to spot trends and decide whether they have relevance as betting opportunities. Click any ‘Bet Now’ button to see a bet slip from that bookmaker.

NARRATIVE:

Five of the six victories secured by Manchester United turned into

This fixture has taken place 10 times during the history of the Premier League with the current score Bolton 1 – 3 Draws – Manchester United 6 so Manchester United have a clear historical advantage but can Bolton cause a shock & make it 2 wins against United here?
The answer is yes they most definitely can despite how tough the task may look – the next question that may arise is ‘have we gone mad tipping Bolton to beat Manchester United?’

Of course, if Manchester United come out of this fixture with a comfortable 3-0 win then we will look absolutely mad but we think there is a definite case for backing Bolton & importantly the bookies are offering what we think is a big value price for that to happen.

This fixture obviously involves Bolton vs Manchester United but the biggest & most important influence on this match could well be Manchester United’s next 3 fixtures after this one as they face 3 absolutely huge games against Bayern Munich away, the potential title decider against Chelsea at home & then Bayern Munich again in the Champions League.

Without being disrespectful to Bolton, the Manchester United management & players are likely to have their focus on those matches more than they are this game against Bolton & for us that makes this a great opportunity for Bolton.

Obviously, Manchester United will still take this game seriously because they need the 3 points & they still have many top quality players to call on but there has to be a massive chance that the likes of Wayne Rooney, Michael Carrick, Darren Fletcher, Ji Sung Park, Evra & maybe even Ferdinand & Vidic will not play in this game & that will obviously tremendously weaken Manchester United.

The other important factor for Bolton in this game is that their confidence & performance levels have really improved at home & Owen Coyle has got them playing a very positive style of football that will test Manchester United out & that combined with the threat of Davies, Elmander & Taylor then they also the capacity to score goals as well.

The final factor is that Bolton need the 3 points as much as Manchester United do because another win push Bolton to be virtually safe in the Premier League & we really do expect Bolton to go for this game from the start.

This is a massive game & in our view can go any way so for us it’s a case of aiming for the best betting value & at the prices Bolton look worth a punt to cause a massive shock & blow the title race even further open that it already is.

Betting Recommendations:

Outright Match Result: Bolton to win

Correct Score Options: Bolton to win 2-0/2-1

First Goalscorer each way/Player to score anytime: Davies/Taylor/Elmander

Scorecast options: Davies/Taylor/Elmander score 1st & Bolton win 2-0/2-1

Double Result: Bolton H/T & F/T

Really interesting battle here between two progressive managers with David Moyes & Owen Coyle both looking for strong finishes to the season from their Everton & Bolton sides so this should be a really competitive match.
David Moyes sets high standards at Everton & he wants a strong finish to the season to achieve as high a league position possible & to carry winning momentum into next season so every game is vital for Everton now.

Home form has been a massive plus for Everton as they are unbeaten in the Premier League at home since losing to Liverpool in November & have recent impressive wins against Manchester United, Chelsea & Hull City to their name as well.

In fact, Everton come into this match having won 6 home league matches in succession scoring 16 goals & only conceding 3 so that highlights the impressive strength of Everton at home & the confidence with which they will come into this match.

Everton have got a very strong squad of talented players when they are all fit with the likes of Arteta, Cahill, Pienaar, Saha, Yakubu all top class attacking options to combine with the overall strength they have in defence & that is why they are so tough to play at home.

We expect Everton to look to dominate this match early & with an early goal likely to be the key as it will help them to control the game better & then make their extra quality pay.

Owen Coyle brings his Bolton side to Everton knowing that they still need points to secure safety but also knowing that they have achieved some massive results in recent weeks so team confidence should be good.

Bolton have achieved 3 wins from their last 4 Premier League matches & those 9 points have pushed Bolton well clear of the drop zone & they know another win or two will probably be enough to secure safety again.

Those wins are massive not only for the points but also for the fact the pressure has been lifted somewhat & that has enabled Owen Coyle to employ his positive tactics onto the team & it really is starting to take effect in a good way.

Last weekends 4-0 home win against Wigan highlighted how positive Bolton now are & they really did play some excellent football during that match so they will believe they can do that against Everton as well.

The big concern for Bolton is that their away record is poor & they do concede goals away with 12 conceded in their last 4 away matches and their defence will definitely be severely tested against Everton so that could well be the key to the match.

Everton & Bolton look two confident sides at present & so this should be a decent, competitive match but in terms of the result we cannot oppose Everton whose impressive home form makes them a very solid bet to get another important 3 points.

Betting Recommendations:

Outright Match Result: Everton to win

Correct Score options: Everton to win 3-0/3-1

First Goalscorer each way/Players to score anytime: Cahill/Yakubu/Arteta

Scorecast options: Cahill/Yakubu/Arteta score 1st & Everton win 3-0/3-1

Double Result: Everton H/T & F/T

The match stats below are compiled with major football betting markets in mind. They are presented as facts without recommendation, allowing you to spot trends and decide whether they have relevance as betting opportunities. Click any ‘Bet Now’ button to see a bet slip from that bookmaker.

NARRATIVE:

Thirty goals have been scored in ten games which is a healthy ratio for supporters in these days of expensive attendance prices, though Bolton supports will be frustrating run of not having scored at Goodison Park on each of the last three occasions. Everton have scored six goals during that period and their haul of three goals on five occasions is impressive. The fact that Bolton have scored eleven goals in total reads well enough when you consider that they drew a blank on five occasions. Doubles: Everton 2—-Bolton 1

MARKET:

Everton: 7 wins–Draws: 1–Bolton: 2 wins (goal difference: 19-11)

MARKET: Correct Score

2 x 3-0 & 2 x 3-2

MARKET: First team to score

Everton: 6—-Bolton: 3 (1 x 0-0 draw)

MARKET: Even or odd total of goals:

Even: 4—-Odd: 6

A must win game is how both Bolton & Wigan will see this fixture as Bolton sit in 14th but only 5 points clear of relegation & Wigan sit 15th & only 4 points above the drop zone.

Both Bolton & Wigan achieved truly massive results last weekend & 3 vital points as they got excellent wins that really boosted their survival bids & the 3 points on offer here will push them even closer to safety.

Bolton achieved a fantastic 2-1 away win at West Ham United last weekend & the importance of that result was highlighted by their disastrous performance in losing 4-0 at Sunderland in midweek.

Clearly that heavy defeat against Sunderland was a big blow but Owen Coyle will make sure the Bolton players forget all about that & concentrate solely on getting 3 points at home because it is their home form that will be the absolute key.

We are fully expecting Bolton to really have a go at winning this & look to match their fast start from last week and with the likes of Matt Taylor, Kevin Davies & Ivan Klasnic they have the quality to do that & score goals.

In the eyes of football pundits & punters across the footballing world, Wigan must rank as the most unpredictable team around because quietly simply nobody knows what to expect from them & that probably includes their manager Roberto Martinez.

Capable of producing excellent football & beating Aston Villa, Chelsea & Liverpool but then also just as capable of playing terrible & losing poor games has made Wigan impossible to predict & anything really is possible with them.

The only consistent, predictable aspect of Wigan’s season has been the determination of Roberto Martinez to play positive, passing football & that never changes no matter who Wigan are playing.

Wigan deservedly beat Liverpool & that should give them a massive confidence boost going into this match but their terrible away record must play on their mind with 9 away defeats & 35 goals conceded clearly a massive concern if they are to get a positive result here.

This is a huge game because if either side wins it they will then feel so much safer & will not be far away while the other will remain in the relegation mix so there is definitely everything to play for in this one.

This looks certain to be a high pressure, physically intense & competitive match & any result is possible with the presence of Wigan increasing the uncertainty but we do like the look of Bolton here because they have to win their home matches & they will be extra motivated to bounce back & get 3 massive points.

Betting Recommendations:

Outright Match Result: Bolton to win

Correct Score options: Bolton to win 2-0/2-1

First Goalscorer each way/Player to score anytime: Davies/Klasnic/Taylor

Scorecast options: Davies/Klasnic/Taylor score 1st & Bolton win 2-0/2-1

Double Result: Bolton H/T & F/T

The match stats below are compiled with major football betting markets in mind. They are presented as facts without recommendation, allowing you to spot trends and decide whether they have relevance as betting opportunities. Click any ‘Bet Now’ button to see a bet slip from that bookmaker.

NARRATIVE:

Three of the four games mustered an aggregate of only four goals whilst the visitors have netted once in every match to date. Bolton failed to score on two occasion and their supporters will be disappointed to have secured just one point from two games which were level at the interval. Doubles: Neither team has beaten the opposition both home and away in the same season.

MARKET:

Bolton: 1 win–Draws: 1–Wigan: 2 wins (goal difference: 5-4)

MARKET: Correct Score

2 x 0-1

MARKET: First team to score

Bolton: 2—-Wigan: 2

MARKET: Even or odd total of goals:

Even: 1—-Odd: 3

The match stats below are compiled with major football betting markets in mind. They are presented as facts without recommendation, allowing you to spot trends and decide whether they have relevance as betting opportunities. Click any ‘Bet Now’ button to see a bet slip from that bookmaker.

NARRATIVE:

The two teams have held on to their lead where relevant and, as usual, it has been the matches which were all square at the interval which have determined where so many of the points were destined to go. Bolton have won just one game compared to Sunderland

The Champions League 2nd round action takes centre stage & the focus of the majority of the footballing world, but not of those people connected to teams who have got vital midweek Premier League matches & there are indeed some very important contests taking place.
The main focus of the midweek action in the Premier League is on the relegation zone with 5 of the 8 teams playing still heavily involved in their own fight to avoid relegation.

We have had a good look at all the midweek Premier League games & here our thoughts with the value betting options we feel are worth consideration:

Wigan vs Liverpool – (Monday 8.00pm)

Wigan come here chasing the 3 points to help try & secure their place in the Premier League while Liverpool are after maximum points to keep their push for the Champions League going so this is an absolutely vital match for everybody concerned.

Roberto Martinez is under massive pressure as Wigan sit perrilously close to the relegation zone, only 1 point above & looking like a side in big trouble.

Wigan come into this match on a run that has seen them only pick up 3 points in their last 7 Premier League matches with only 3 goals scored in those matches, failing to score in 4 of them.

Roberto Martinez does deserve credit for the way he sets Wigan up to play positive, passing football but that does not win matches & earn points on it’s own and their failure to score enough goals is what has really cost them.

Wigan have only scored 26 goals in the Premier League all season which is an average of just less than a goal a game with only 11 coming at home which is clearly not good enough.

Wigan’s home form is also a major concern with only 3 wins in the league & so the prospects of achieving something from this match do look slim for Wigan.

The one thing going for Wigan is that they have been incredibly inconsistent & they can look upon wins against Chelsea & Aston Villa to give them inspiration but they are likely to need a lot more than that here.

Rafa Benitez has committed Liverpool to achieving Champions League football next season & has personally guaranteed that Liverpool will finish 4th so the pressure is firmly on.

To be fair to Liverpool their results have improved dramatically in the last months or so & they have only lost once in the Premier League since december so we expect them to arrive here confident of achieving again.

Sunday’s win over Blackburn Rovers was not overly impressive but they did what was needed & everybody connected to Liverpool would have been greatly boosted by Gerrard & Torres returning to the team again to get the goals they need.

We are not expecting this to be a classic match as Wigan play controlled, passing football & Liverpool are certain to go to Wigan to protect what they have while looking to edge a win & thats does look a likely scenario & Liverpool do look a solid bet to get 3 massive points.

Betting Recommendations:

Outright Match Result: Liverpool to win

Correct Score Options: Liverpool to win 2-0/2-1

First Goalscorer each way/Player to score anytime: Gerrard/Torres/Benayoun

Scorecast options: Gerrard/Torres/Benayoun score 1st & Liverpool win 2-0/2-1

Double Result: Liverpool H/T & F/T

Portsmouth vs Birmingham City – (Tuesday 7.45pm)

A quirk of the football calendar & fixtures is that teams can sometimes end up playing each other twice within the space of a few days & that is exactly what we have here between Portsmouth & Birmingham City here.

Portsmouth & Birmingham City fought out a competitive F.A. Cup Quarter Final tie only on saturday & yet here they are again coming face to face only 3 days later but this time for a Premier League match.

Portsmouth won that F.A. Cup tie 2-0 with a tremendously spirited performance in what was a tough, competitive game & so that does give them an edge for this match but equally Birmingham City will be motivated to respond so this should be another close contest.

Although Portsmouth were deserved winners on saturday, there was not much between the two sides on the day & Birmingham City will certainly go into this match believing they can get a positive result here & to be honest it looks like another flip of the coin decision here.

Going into the match on saturday, both Portsmouth & Birmingham City had the motivation to qualify for a place at Wembley in the semi finals but this is different because Portsmouth know they are virtually relegated already & Birmingham City know they are unlikely to finish any higher than where they are now.

The Portsmouth fans are fantastic & will generate an atmosphere which will encourage the Portsmouth squad to have a go while Birmingham City will want to show their pride & respond so any result is possible but on balance a low scoring draw looks a likely scenario & value bet worth taking here.

Betting Recommendations:

Outright Match Result: DRAW

Correct Score options: 1-1

First Goalscorer each way/Player to score antyime: Piquionne/Jerome/McFadden

Scorcast options: Piquionne/Jerome/McFadden score 1st & 1-1 DRAW

Double Result: DRAW H/T & F/T

Sunderland vs Bolton – (Tuesday 7.45pm)

High profile, glamour ties in the Champions League may be taking place at the same time but to everybody connected to Sunderland & Bolton, the only game that counts is this massively important contest that could be a pivotal match for both clubs.

This match is a really high pressure, intense relegation 6 pointer as both Sunderland & Bolton lie in the group of 8 teams threatened by relegation & the 3 points on offer here are absolutely vital.

In terms of points & league position, Bolton have the edge over Sunderland as they come into this match on 29 points compared to Sunderland’s 27 & this really could be a decisive match one way or the other.

A win for Sunderland here would give them a massive boost & take them above Bolton & 6 points clear of the relegation zone and at this stage of the season that would indeed be a massive gap.

A win for Bolton will push them onto 32 points, 8 points clear of the relegation zone & very close to securing their Premier League status for another season.

Obviously there is everything to play for in this match & both Sunderland & Bolton know they have to try & win but cannot afford to lose either so we are expecting this to be a really tight, competitive contest.

In terms of current form then Sunderland still remain without a league win since november but their home form has been very solid & Steve Bruce knows Sunderland have to start winning home games again to push them clear so we are expecting a very positive response from Sunderland here.

Bolton come into this match on the back of a fantastic & massively important away win at West Ham United and that should give the Bolton squad a huge boost coming into this match & they will firmly believe they can get another positive result here.

The absolute key to this game could well be who scores first because whoever does will gain a massive confidence boost & tactical advantage as that will force the other team to attack more but deciding which team will score first is not easy.

Sunderland & Bolton have played each other 11 times before in the Premier League with a record of 4 wins for Sunderland, 4 wins for Bolton & 3 draws so that shows how tight this is to call & any result is possible but we are just going to take a chance on Sunderland just having the edge to take this & get that much needed win.

Betting Recommendations:

Outright Match Result: Sunderland to win

Correct Score options: Sunderland to win 2-0/2-1

First Goalscorer each way/Player to score antyime: Bent/Jones/Malbranque

Scorcast options: Bent/Jones/Malbranque score 1st & Sunderland win 2-0/2-1

Double Result: Sunderland H/T & F/T

Burnley vs Stoke City – (Wednesday 7.45pm)

The focus of this match & indeed the pressure to win is definitely on Burnley here as they know they have to win their home games if they are to have any chance of surviving in the Premier League.

Of course this match does involve Stoke City & they will want to win it but they are virtually safe while Burnley are desperately fighting relegation & they know they have to win.

Burnley have been strong at home this season & to be honest that is a very good job because their away form has been absolutely pathetic & they know that they are very unlikely to pick up any points away from home having only picked up 1 so far.

6 wins & 4 draws from 13 home league matches is an impressive record for Burnley & to their great credit they have been tremendously hard to play against at home which is something what they will have to repeat if they are to get anything out of Stoke City.

Burnley manager Brian Laws has declared that this next set of matches against Stoke City home, Wolves home, Wigan away & Blackburn home will probably define what chance they have & they really do have to look get a good return of points from those home matches.

To be fair to Burnley, although they are incredibly naive defensively & lack quality in every department, they do play positive, attacking football & that is what we are expecting from them here but whether that will be enough against Stoke City is another question.

Stoke City have not got an amazing away record with only 2 wins from 13 but they have drawn 6 away matches & will certainly go to Burnley believing they can get a positive result of some kind.

Stoke City will make it a real test for Burnley & look to be hard to break down while they know they have the players capable of taking advantage of the mistakes Burnley are likely to make while their extra physical presence will be a threat as well.

Burnley have to win so they will go for it & their home form does warrant great respect but equally so do Stoke City for the way they compete & fight and so that makes us believe this will be a competitive, scoring draw & that is the biggest priced option it looks a value bet worth taking.

Betting Recommendations:

Outright Match Result: DRAW

Correct Score options: 1-1

First Goalscorer each way/Player to score antyime: Fletcher/Patterson/Fuller

Scorcast options: Fletcher/Patterson/Fuller score 1st & 1-1 Draw

Double Result: DRAW H/T & F/T