Premier League betting – Bolton vs Arsenal

Bolton vs Arsenal betting odds, tips & free bets

Bolton: League Position: 8th, League Form: DWLLW

Positives are still aplenty for Bolton despite their hammering last weekend at Wembley by Stoke. A 5-0 defeat in an FA Cup semi-final isn’t anyone’s idea of a good day out, but Bolton have had a fantastic season, eighth and only six points behind sixth place with a game in hand, there’s still something to play for too.

Getting back to the league does bring in the best English striker of the past few months of Premiership to their side, as Daniel Sturridge was cup tied for the Stoke match. Six goals in eight games from the young forward on loan from Chelsea, not to mention scintillating performances and match winning contributions, no one wants to come against him at the moment.

The weekend’s game was a blip, nothing like the Bolton of this season who have scored as many at home as Arsenal this season, only picking up two points less at the Reebok than Arsenal have at the Emirates, and in a game less.  

Arsenal: League Position: 3rd, League Form: DDWDD

Arsenal continue to drop points in their chase for the title. Just think, if they could hold a one goal lead for two minutes of stoppage time at home and a two goal advantage away at North London rivals Tottenham then they would be two points behind leader Manchester United and in second place. Now they’re third and six points behind Manchester United in first, with only five games remaining.

For those who question Arsenal’s ‘mental fortitude’, or bottle to those of us who speak normal English, it can only be assumed that they will crumble on hard away trips? However, to some surprise, they top the league when based only on away fixtures, having gained four more points on the road than current champions Chelsea, and six more than champions elect United.

Two rather draining games in a row then lead them to Bolton on Sunday. Traditionally a ground they struggle at, the physical approach of old Allardyce teams always a problem, the new Bolton could suit them down to the ground, as that’s where the ball will most likely stay. With no fresh injury worries, Arsenal must win, and playing a day later will know how both title rivals have done before them.

Match Prediction: Arsenal Win – 1.8 Bet Fred

As much as Bet 365’s 5.25 on Bolton winning at home is too big a price, Arsenal need a win, Bolton will be reeling after their FA Cup hammering and it’s hard to think the Gunners won’t do what they need here to stay in the title race.

Arsenal are obviously capable of scoring away from home, with eight in their last three away fixtures, and may feel the weight of expectation is lessened playing away from their own fans, and the atmosphere will never reach the heights of Wednesday night. Robin Van Persie has four goals in five games too, and adds such an attacking threat in comparison with Bendtner and Chamakh.

The stats suggest there will be goals, 50% of Arsenal’s games end with over 2.5 goals, whilst 61% of Bolton surpass that figure too.

That’s not to say Bolton won’t threaten, all three of Davies, Elmander and Sturridge should be looking forward to this. The fragile Arsenal defence won’t like Sturridge’s pace and trickery, while Bolton will still throw it up there for Davies and Elmander to fight for.

Highlighted Bets:-

Over/Under: Over 2.5 Goals – 1.67 Will Hill
First Goalscorer: Robin Van Persie – 5.00 Bet Fred
Correct Score: 3-1 Arsenal Win – 15.00 Bet Fred
Anytime Goalscorer: Robin Van Persie – 2.2 Coral

By Chris Wilkerson

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