Match Preview: Bolton Wanderers vs Birmingham City

Following on from Good Friday’s 2-1 defeat at Elland Road against Leeds United, Bolton Wanderers return home to face relegation rivals, Birmingham City.

With seven games to go, just three points separate the two sides, who sit 20th and 21st respectively. Two big wins against Hull City and Ipswich Town have lifted Birmingham out of the relegation places and into 21st.

Meanwhile, Wanderers could move eight points clear with a win against Garry Monk’s side. A win would move Bolton as high as 18th in the table.

Wanderers haven’t scored in their last four games against Birmingham, their last coming back in October 2014 in a 1-0 win.

Birmingham have lost their last four away games, conceding twelve goals in the process.

Although, form goes out of the window with games like this. All that matters is how you perform in the ninety minutes on the pitch. It’s clichéd, but it’s true.

With Burton drawing against Middlesbrough and Sunderland beating Derby County, it’s vital that Wanderers pick up points against the teams in and around them.

It’s Bolton Wanderers vs Birmingham City. It’s the biggest game of the season.

Team News

Darren Pratley will hopefully return to the side after missing the Leeds game through injury. Antonee Robinson should be back in the side after returning from international duty. Chinedu Obasi could finally make his debut, after scoring twice in three games for the U23s.

Birmingham might be without striker Sam Gallagher, but Craig Gardner could return after missing out with a hamstring injury.

Odds

Wanderers are the favourites for the game with the bookies, with odds of 6/4. A draw is 11/5, whilst a Birmingham win is 15/8.

Match Prediction

Both teams desperately need the win, so i’ll be optimistic and say 1-0 Wanderers.