Monday, January 24, 2011

Bolton Wanderers - Chelsea

Posted on 8:04 AM by Lionel Messi

Judging by the betting odds Bolton Wanderers should just roll over and took another Chelsea beating. The Trotters are a ridiculous 4/1 (5.0) to beat the misfiring Blues.

Of course Chelsea fans have fond memories of the Reebok stadium where they wrapped up the league title in 2005. That was then and this is now and Frank Lampard, who scored that day, will miss tonight's game through injury.

If Owen Coyle has serious European aspirations for his side then he'll know Chelsea are there for the taking. Tonight will be the first game to be played since Bolton legend Nat Lofthouse passed away and Coyle has called for a "big performance" in honour of the striker.

You can see Bolton taking the game to Chelsea from the outset and the Wanderers have a habit of scoring first in the game. They've done so in their last three matches at the Reebok and are a fine 2.70 to do so again.

Johan Elmander has been one of the revelations of the season and is a superb 3.25 to score during the 90 minutes with strike partner Kevin Davies another decent bet at 3.75.

Bolton old boy Nicolas Anelka will be sniffing for goals and adores scoring against his old English clubs. The French forward has racked up 19 against Arsenal, Bolton, Liverpool and Man City including four against the Trotters.

With Didier Drogba going off the boil amid continued interest from other clubs Anelka looks the value at 2.25 to score during the 90 minutes.

Chelsea are unbeaten against Bolton in their last 15 meetings and must win to maintain their slim title hopes. Against a fired up Bolton team inspired by the spirit of Nat Lofthouse it could be a case of more Blues for the Champions.