Sunderland to topple Bolton

THE best value is in the top flight this weekend as the Premiership continues to provide a wealth of interesting betting opportunities. That interest starts early, with Saturday’s 12:45 kickoff pitching Sunderland against Bolton.

The Black Cats home abilities have been well documented, but it is important not to become blasé about their impressive record.  After a disappointing opening day draw against Birmingham, where a two goal advantage was squandered late on, Sunderland have earned credible draws against Arsenal, Manchester United and Everton (in a high quality contest), while they have dispatched Manchester City, Aston Villa, Stoke and West Ham. Last Saturday’s 0-0 draw at Fulham was impressive in as much as Sunderland earned a second consecutive clean sheet without the services of centre back Anton Ferdinand, and though Ferdinand is set to miss the game against this week, the Black Cats have demonstrated a defensive resilience even without his presence. In Bent and Gyan, Sunderland have two of the most formidable looking strikers in the division and should have enough in the ranks to cause Bolton plenty of problems.

As for Bolton, they too have enjoyed a very good season to date. A 2-1 victory over local rivals Blackburn last weekend has the Trotters in the giddy heights of 6^th place approaching Christmas, but there must still be questions about their ability to maintain a challenge for a European spot. Bolton were asking Blackburn no real questions themselves last Saturday, until the game changed with a sending off for the hosts that seemed to knock Rovers off their stride more than anything. A 1-0 defeat at Manchester City prior to that contest was flattering on Bolton, who could have lost by many more, while a 2-2 home draw against Blackpool was a well and truly salvaged point after being 2-0 down. Though these games undoubtedly show Bolton’s resilience and refusal to lie down, they do also point to a slight dip in form as they head to one of the true home fortresses in the league.  Strikers Johan Elmander and Kevin Davies have been impressive for most of the season and will look to take advantage of Sunderland’s weaker back-line; Elmander has already bagged six away league goals this season. Yet, Bolton’s over-reliance on late goals hints that their blistering start to the season may be beginning to slow down.

6^th and 7^th place represent fine achievements for clubs like Bolton and Sunderland, but where Bolton are truly over-achievers, Steve Bruce seems to have Sunderland playing to the sum of their talented parts (no mean feat in itself). Given that, and given a slight dip in performance by Owen Coyle’s team, the value is with the hosts to end this contest on top.

SUGGESTION:

Sunderland WIN (23/20 @ Betfred and Paddy Power)