It seems Bob isn't around. I copped a lot of grief from the missus by prioritising this today so if you dont see it my grief will be in vain.
City v Bolton Preview
Bolton take the short trip down St Peters way to take on Manchester City in what is the first ever battle for the Champions League spots between the two clubs. Bolton are having an excellent season and are just 3 points shy of City. In fact, a three goal victory by the whites would see them overtake the blues on the table.
When you traditionally think of Bolton you think of long ball specialists, set pieces and plenty of aerial ping pong from the Megson and Allardyce eras. Not any more. Owen Coyle has transformed the team into a hardworking side that play attractive football with the ball on the deck. The midfield of Holden, Lee, Muamba and Taylor have provided the ammunition for Elmander and Davies to score 28 goals from their first 15 games- 8 more than City. Two losses in the first 15 games is European form. The team and the fans are buzzing.
City appear to have awoken from a mini slump. A draw and win in the last two games have eased the pressure on Roberto Mancini after some lacklustre attacking performances. Players such as Kolarov, Balotelli and Jo have added different attacking dimensions to the team which has contributed to City scoring more goals.
The match.
Bolton have been given the kiss of death. Both Johan Elmander and Owen Coyle received player and manager of the month awards respectively which means a loss is just about guaranteed. They've conceded 22 goals in the league so far, 11 of them from set pieces. Although City aren't known for their set pieces there is certainly enough firepower to take advantage of this weakness. Regardless, City should have enough guile in attack to score from open play. City have conceded only 12 goals in the league thus far and look very solid defensively. Bolton will have to provide something very special to break the blues down.
The wild card.
Martin Petrov. Playing against his former club for the first time, the attacking wideman is capable of anything. He has the capacity to score wondergoals. He also has the capacity to stay forward leaving the defence exposed. If he appears for this match it will be fascinating to see his contribution.
Odds.
City 1.50
Draw 3.85
Bolton 6.50
Boltons attacking approach to this match should ensure an entertaining encounter and could be one of the best spectacles of the season.
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