Bolton v Birmingham Preview

After the excitement of the UEFA draw, it`s back down to earth as Bolton face Birmingham City in a relegation six pointer. The corresponding fixture at St Andrews, played when both teams had different managers, was one of the worst Premier League games ever seen, although the home side deserved their victory.

Alex McCleish has had a mixed start to his managerial stint at Birmingham. A fortunate win at Spurs was followed by an unlucky defeat at Newcastle and a home draw with Reading. Over the same period, Bolton have sandwiched a home win over Wigan in between defeats at Liverpool and Manchester City.

Losing at City was a disappointment, after being so on top at the end of the first half, but there were good signs. (Note the absence of the word ‘positives`) Kevin Nolan, after a season and a half of duff performances, finally came good and the midfield with him and Danny Guthrie worked the best it has all season, for a spell. If that continues then Bolton could run out comfortable winners, but as ever with the Wanderers, one never knows which side will turn up on the day.