English Premier
2010-05-09 - Bolton Wanderers vs Birmingham City
A Sports Betting Pick by Cruiser
Analysis:Both clubs do not have anything to fight for on the last day fo the season having secured Premiership safety and a place for Europe is beyond their reach.
Bolton at one stage were battling against relegation but under Owen Coyle, they have ensured they will be in the Premiership for the 10th season in a row now. After taking over from Gary Megson in January, he has steered them to safety now. His former club Burnley were relegated after he left the club.
In February and March they managed three wins out of four matches took them out of the drop zone and despite a four match losing run, they managed a 2-1 win against Stoke and that took them to safety in the Premiership. And a 2-2 draw against bottom club Portsmouth, ensured their safety in the Premiership.
As for Birmingham they will finish the season in their highest ever finish since 1959 that was when they finished in 9th spot. They came 10th in 2004 but will be guaranteed to finish ninth if they gain at least a point at the Reebok. Although Stoke and Blackburn can go level if Blues lose but Alex McLeish's men have a better goal difference heading into the last day.
The Blues were only promoted last season but a 12-match unbeaten run over Christmas which was a top-flight record for the club made sure that they will stay in the Premiership. Last week's 2-1 home victory against Burnley ended a run of eight games without a win and McLeish will be determined to finish on a high with an extra £750,000 available for each Premier League place.
That will help in the transfer market, and today's game offers a final chance to assess his current side before he aims to strengthen the side for next season.
Bolton won the earlier match at St Andrews, though, with South Korean midfielder Chung-Yong Lee being the hero when they won 2-1. Team-mates Jack Wilshere and Vladimir Weiss will play their last games on loan, with Slovakian winger Weiss looking to secure a World Cup call-up, likewise Birmingham's on-loan England keeper Joe Hart.
As for the team news, Midfielder Stuart Holden is hopeful of starting for Bolton after recovering from a broken leg he suffered in March. The United States international, who made just two appearances before suffering the injury on international duty, did not make the squad for last weekend's defeat at Tottenham. However, after a full training with the side could get his chance to feature.
Andy O'Brien (thigh) and Chris Basham (knee) could also come into the side after recovering from injuries.
Meanwhile, Birmingham are boosted by the return of captain Stephen Carr, who missed last weekend's 2-1 win against Burnley through suspension. He was missing after admitting to improper conduct against Aston Villa.
Carr is set to take over from Stuart Parnaby in what is likely to be the only change to the side that started against Burnley in their last match.
Liam Ridgewell will continue in the centre of defence with Scott Dann (calf) out of the side, while rookie midfielder Jordon Mutch is in the squad after returning from his loan spell at Doncaster.
Take Birmingham to get the better of Bolton here.
Cheers and good luck,
Cruiser
The Pick :
Birmingham 2-1
BEST BETTING TIP :
Take Birmingham to win here.
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
Take Birmingham and accept the 1/4 ball here.
