Bolton vs Blackburn betting

Bolton Wanderers return to action following the postponement of Tuesday nights match at Aston Villa due to the shocking incident involving Fabrice Muamba, who has since began to show signs of recovery following his collapse. It was widely expected that this game would be called off too however it was requested by Muamba and his family that the game still goes on. Whether Bolton’s players will be in the right frame of mind remains to seen yet you will be pretty certain to see a very battling performance on behalf of Muamba from Owen Coyles’ men, especially considering it’s a relegation six pointer and a local derby. Should Bolton win they could move out the relegation zone with fellow strugglers Queens Park Rangers facing a tricky tie at Martin O’Neill’s Sunderland. If Bolton can get a win it would mean back to back league victories for the first time this season however it remains to be seen whether they will be able to obtain this given their lack of firepower. The Trotters have struggled up front since the departures of prolific duo Johan Elmander and Daniel Sturridge, with the Elmander moving to Turkish side Galatasaray and Sturridge returning to parent club Chelsea. Summer signings Tuncay and David N’Gog have both struggled to fill their boots and club captain Kevin Davies is not recognised as consistent goalscorer. Midfield maestro Muamba will be an obvious loss in midfield and Coyle will be hoping that his men can battle on without him and get the win that could really kickstart their battle for survival.

Blackburn Rovers: League form: WWDLW

After a terrible start, unpopular manager Steve Kean has overseen an upturn in fortunes at Ewood Park recently as Rovers sit five points off the relegation zone following back to back wins over Sunderland and Wolverhampton Wanderers. Getting consecutive clean sheets will be a huge boost to a side that hasn’t managed to keep one previously all season. It was a defence that was expected to struggle even more following the sale of key defenders Chris Samba and Ryan Nelson in January yet Scott Dann and Grant Hanley have filled in admirably. Hanley is one of a number of youngsters that Kean has brought into the side this season along with Jason Lowe and Adam Henley, all of which have thrived alongside star player David Hoilett. Striker Yakubu has also been in superb form for Blackburn all season following his bargain buy from Everton, scoring fourteen crucial goals in just twenty-one appearances.

Match prediction: Draw – 3.40 – William Hill

This will be an absolutely massive game for both teams with both doing all possible to ensure it’s their team that get the boost in their battle for survival. It will be an emotional occasion for the home side with their players returning to the field for the first time since Muamba’s collapse but they will need to channel that emotion into putting in a first class performance against a resurgent Blackburn side. Despite the away sides recent clean sheets, I can see there being a few goals in this and a score draw seems to me a strong possibility.

By Anthony Cunningham

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