Premier League weekend preview – Part 2
This is the second part of the Barclays Premier League weekend preview. In this part, we will be taking a look at the match between Stoke and Bolton, as well as the encounter between West Brom and Blackpool.
Stoke City vs Bolton Wanderers – Britannia Stadium (Saturday 15th January):
This promises to be a hotly contested affair, considering the attacking styles of both teams. To add more spice to the encounter, only three points separate the two sides in the Barclays Premier League standings
Bolton Wanderers have lost three of their last five matches in the league, despite a promising start to the season. Owen Coyle’s men were in fifth place just a few weeks ago, but back to back away losses to http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Chelsea-c38786 and Liverpool has seen them lose their
grip on that coveted Europa League spot.
Bolton though, have bounced back from their recent defeats with an F.A Cup win over York City last weekend. That victory will be a great boost for the Trotters as they look to hand Stoke their fifth home defeat of the season on Saturday.
Stoke City have fared only marginally better in their last five Premier League matches. Disappointing losses to Fulham and Blackpool have been hugely detrimental to their chances of competing in Europe next season. However, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Tony-c35440 Pulis’ men are not out of
it yet. If they manage to pull off a big win against Bolton on Saturday, they will leapfrog four teams to jump into 7th position.
It’s anyone’s guess as to what will happen when the two sides meet on Saturday.
West Bromwich Albion vs Blackpool – The Hawthorns (Saturday 15th January):
West Brom are in dire straits at the moment, having lost nine of their last eleven matches. Manager Roberto di Matteo will need some sort of miracle to turn their season around from here. As it stands, the Baggies are almost certainly headed into the lower
leagues.
The only reason Albion are not in the relegation zone at the moment is because of their fantastic start to the campaign. However, their recent dismal form has left them with no margin for error. West Brom desperately need a result from this game if they
are to escape from their downward spiral into the lower leagues
Meanwhile, Blackpool sit comfortably on the other half of the table in 9thposition. Ian Holloway’s men have been a revelation this season. The Seasiders were favourites to be relegated in this campaign, but they have defied all odds to remain
in the top half of the table for most the season.
Blackpool will be high on confidence after doing the double over http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Liverpool-c39809 for the first time since 1947. Their recent form has made them favourites to snatch all three points in Saturday’s encounter, but in such an unpredictable season in the Barclays Premier
League, you can never be too sure.
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