Match Preview: Will it be a Blue Christmas for Bolton Wanderers?

After the devastating 1-0 defeat against Burton Albion last Saturday, Bolton Wanderers will try to get back out of the relegation places for Christmas when they face high flying Cardiff City this afternoon.

The Bluebirds are unbeaten in their last six games, and are currently in the second place, four points clear of Bristol City in third.

Bolton’s last win at home against Cardiff came three years ago, when a Liam Feeney brace helped to secure a 3-0 win for Wanderers.

Stats from the EFL site show that 35% of clubs in The Championship who are in the relegation places on Christmas stay up. Saying that, all three teams who were stuck at the foot of the table last season (Blackburn Rovers, Wigan Athletic and Rotherham United) were ultimately relegated. So, even though it’s unlikely, Wanderers could really do with picking up three points today.

With two tricky trips to Middlesbrough and Sheffield United coming up, Bolton really need to make the most of the home advantage. We might be struggling recently, but the club have only lost one of the last six at home.

Team News

Mark Little could potentially return to the side today after receiving injections in his back. Former Bluebirds Craig Noone, Sammy Ameobi, Andrew Taylor and Adam Le Fondre could all play a part against their fomer side. Cardiff will be boosted by the return of striker Omar Bogle, where as former Wanderer Danny Ward faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Form

Bolton Wanderers - DDLWLL

Cardiff City - WWWWDW

Odds

Cardiff are obviously the favourites with odds of 21/20. A Wanderers win comes in at 14/5, with a draw at 9/4.

Match Prediction

Cardiff win. I’ll say 2-1. Merry Christmas