English Premier
2012-05-02 - Bolton Wanderers vs Tottenham
A Sports Betting Pick by Cruiser
Match Preview :
No doubt that the presence of Fabrice Muamba at Bolton's Premier League meeting with Tottenham on Wednesday night will inspire the side as they take on Tottenham on Wednesday night. The Bolton midfielder is expected to make an emotional return and his first public appearance at the Reebok Stadium following his cardiac arrest during the abandoned FA Cup tie with Spurs at White Hart Lane on 17th March.
Muamba's remarkable progress after his heart stopped beating for 78 minutes has stunned doctors and he was discharged from hospital just a month after the incident. There are reports that the former England Under-21 international could lead the team out for what promises to be an emotional fixture which is crucial to the prospects of both teams in their respective battles at either end of the standing.
As it is now, Bolton remain in the relegation zone despite a three-game unbeaten run which has seen them draw with Swansea and Sunderlandsandwiched in between a precious win against Aston Villa. However, Owen Coyle's side can overtake fellow strugglers QPR if they avoid defeat against Tottenham tonight as they only trail the Loftus Road outfit on goal difference having played one game less.
Tottenham meanwhile are back in the running to finish fourth and a UEFA Champions League berth having claimed only their second win in 10 matches with a 2-0 success at home to Blackburn in their last match. And with Harry Redknapp not chosen as the manager of England, with Roy Hodgson's appointment, should allow Harry Redknapp to again fully focus on his club commitments.
As it is now Tottenham are only above Newcastle on goal difference and above Chelsea by a point. Chelsea take on Newcastle in the other tie which would have a big effect on the standings after tonight as well. Redknapps knows that a win over Bolton would put them a point of third place Arsenal in the standings, knowing that fourth place will not guarantee them Champions League football should Chelsea go on and win the Champions League against Bayern Munich on the 19th May.
Team News :
Bolton Team News :
Bolton boss Coyle will check on the condition of a number of his players before naming his starting lineup.
Defender Gretar Steinsson remains a doubt after being ruled out of the 2-2 draw at Sunderland on Saturday due to illness. There are also one or two knocks to the players including an injury to midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker that forced him to come off. Bolton are still awaiting FIFA clearance to play winger Gregg Wylde following his move from Rangers.
Meanwhile, fellow midfield man Darren Pratley has still not recovered from the virus which has sidelined him for three matches
Tottenham Team News :
Tottenham comes into this match still with a host of injury problems.
Aaron Lennon is a doubt after taking a knock late in the 2-0 win over Blackburn, while Scott Parker and Louis Saha are struggling for full fitness. Niko Kranjcar (knee), Tom Huddlestone (ankle), Michael Dawson (ankle), Benoit Assou-Ekotto (shoulder) all remain out of the side, while Ledley King is out with a knee injury.
Possible lineups
Bolton : Bogdan, Steinsson, Ream, Wheater, Ricketts, Reo-Coker, M Davies, Petrov, Eagles, N'Gog, K Davies.
Tottenham : Friedel, Walker, King, Kaboul, Rose, Lennon, Modric, Sandro, Bale, Van der Vaart, Adebayor.
Predictions :
Take Bolton not to lose this match. Get on them with the 3/4 ball advantage here.
The Pick :
Bolton 1-1 Tottenham
BEST BETTING TIP :
Go for the draw here.
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
Take Bolton and accept the 1/2 ball.
