Few would have imagined that this would be a top of the table clash or indeed that both teams would win their opening games 4-0 but that is indeed the case which precedes Bolton v Manchester City at the Reebok.
The endless war chest that is in stock at Eastlands was evident when Kun Augero was brought in from Athletico Madrid and it already seemed like the move had reaped it’s rewards when the Argentine, put on a dazzling array of pace, power and skill to score two goals and set up another in City's 4-0 drubbing of Swansea on Monday night.
The new boys did hold of Manchester City for more than half the game but they were always second best and their rear-guard, which kept a clean sheet 18 times last season was always more than ready for whatever the Swans could throw. Not much admittedly, but it’s always a strong point when asking teams to go to places like Bolton, who have a strong home record.
The stark reality for Mancini’s men is that this is the kind of game that they have to win if they want to be going for the title, but their away record (28 points, which was second only to Arsenal last year) suggests that this kind of trip holds no fears for them.
Bolton were deserved winners against QPR but there’s a feeling that Neil Warnock’s team were well below form despite having created chances until Gary Cahill’s wonder goal right on the stroke of half time. A similarly good performance is expected although more might be needed to trouble City.
City have no real injury concerns and can attack the game at full-strength, while Bolton are without several regulars, with broken-leg victims Tyrone Mears and Lee Chung-Yong out for some time and there’s definitely a feeling that they would prefer to have USA International Stuart Holden with the side, although he too is out for a long period (knee).
Bolton's home form last season was impressive, with only four defeats and a good top team record - over Arsenal, Spurs and Everton plus a draw against Manchester United but City were the last team to win an away game here and may repeat the dose again on Sunday.
Advice
2 pts Manchester City (5/6 Betfred, Boylesports, Hills)
The new boys did hold of Manchester City for more than half the game but they were always second best and their rear-guard, which kept a clean sheet 18 times last season was always more than ready for whatever the Swans could throw. Not much admittedly, but it’s always a strong point when asking teams to go to places like Bolton, who have a strong home record.
The stark reality for Mancini’s men is that this is the kind of game that they have to win if they want to be going for the title, but their away record (28 points, which was second only to Arsenal last year) suggests that this kind of trip holds no fears for them.
Bolton were deserved winners against QPR but there’s a feeling that Neil Warnock’s team were well below form despite having created chances until Gary Cahill’s wonder goal right on the stroke of half time. A similarly good performance is expected although more might be needed to trouble City.
City have no real injury concerns and can attack the game at full-strength, while Bolton are without several regulars, with broken-leg victims Tyrone Mears and Lee Chung-Yong out for some time and there’s definitely a feeling that they would prefer to have USA International Stuart Holden with the side, although he too is out for a long period (knee).
Bolton's home form last season was impressive, with only four defeats and a good top team record - over Arsenal, Spurs and Everton plus a draw against Manchester United but City were the last team to win an away game here and may repeat the dose again on Sunday.
Advice
2 pts Manchester City (5/6 Betfred, Boylesports, Hills)
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