Bolton narrowly avoided relegation
The club had troubles dealing with the departure of Sam Allardyce, and is struggling ever since. The appointment of Sammy Lee was obviously a mistake, and Gary Megson was appointed as a successor. Having started the season very badly and after several defeats, the club appointed Megson to try and save the season. Bolton even played in the Uefa Cup last season and reached last 16 of the competition. But when Megson fielded weakened side against Sporting Lisbon, in order to save the best players for the relegation battle, Bolton was out. The team started playing better under Megson, and became a tougher opponent. But when Anelka left for Chelsea, they faced another big problem, as the French striker was the only one who could provide goals at a decent rate. They managed to avoid relegation, but only just, and taking just 37 points is a worrying result.
Elmander and Muamba in
Having lost two most creative players in Nicolas Anelka and El Hadji Diouf, Megson was forced to address the issue, and Johan Elmander, powerful Swedish forward arrived from Toulouse. He had a good scoring record in France but remains to be seen how he will cope with the Premier League. Bolton also landed Mustapha Riga, Dutch winger from Levante, who scored eight times last season. Danny Shittu arrived from Watford, while Fabrice Muamba, ex Arsenal trainee, has been brought to add some pace to the midfield area. Muamba is a strong defensive midfielder, and fared good in Birmingham last season. Veteran Ivan Campo was released as was Stelios Giannakopoulos, and Andranik Teymourian joined Fulham. Braaten was a part of the deal for Elmander, while Abdoulaye Meite was sold to West Bromwich. The team is nearly where it was last year and will face another relegation battle.
In
Johan Elmander (Toulouse),
Fabrice Muamba (Birmingham City),
Mustapha Riga (Levante),
Danny Shittu (Watford)
Out
Stelios Giannakopolus (released),
Ivan Campo (released),
Andranik Teymourian (Fulham),
Daniel Braaten (Toulouse),
El-Hadji Diouf (Sunderland),
Abdoulaye Meite (West Bromwich Albion)
Bolton in for relegation battle
After a narrow escape last year, Megson will want to ensure survival much sooner. Elmander and Riga have been brought to replace Anelka and Diouf, while Shittu should fill in for Meite. Muamba was added to Kevin Nolan to refresh the midfield area. The fact that Jaaskelainen remained in the club is very important as this Finnish keeper has been doing wonders at goal last few seasons. Megson will hope that Elmander and Riga fit right in, because if these two fail, we don’t see where the goals will come from. Another big worry may be that if some of the key players get injured, the squad lacks sufficient back up, and might have to improvise. Megson will hope this doesn’t happen, but it is difficult to rely on small number of players. Bolton is on a down ever since Allardyce left, and we don’t think this season will be much different. Come end of season, Bolton will probably get relegated.
Our tip: Bolton to get relegated
Odds 3.75
Bookmaker: Bet365
CL
CLQ
UEFA
RELEG
