Previews

No Bolton return for Allardyce

Author: Brandon Barker
Date: 22/11/2009
Football betting

Sam Allardyce should have been the man in the spotlight at the Reebok Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

However, following confirmation that 'Big Sam' will not be in the Blackbun dugout against his former club, the focus on this north-west derby has shifted somewhat.

Allardyce has been told he needs to have surgery on a coronary artery and will miss his team's next three matches while he recuperates.

Bolton, now under the stewardship of Gary Megson, are plodding on in the Premier League and sit in 16th place and precariously just one point above the relegation places.

They have another chance to rectify their shocking home form this term.

With just one win from their first six and 13 conceded - a league high - this poor return must turn around if they are to avoid a battle at the foot of the table.

Blackburn themselves are in an even bigger catastrophe on the road having lost five on the spin.

Will Bolton and Blackburn avoid the dreaded drop? - Latest Football Betting

Meanwhile, sportsbook favourites Tottenham Hotspur will be looking to continue their fine early season form when they welcome Wigan Athletic to White Hart Lane.

The north London outfit have bolted to fourth in the Premier League table and manager Harry Redknapp is beginning to see his side shine.

Opposite number Roberto Martinez will be hoping his men can leave the capital with a point, but the young Spanish manager knows it will be tough for his troops.

Wigan could do with dropping their Jekyll and Hyde performances that must frustrate everybody connected to the DW Stadium club.

After beating Chelsea 2-0 at the end of September, they then lost in disappointing fashion at lowly Hull City.

Soon after they grabbed an excellent 3-1 success at Burnley but then lost 4-0 at rock-bottom Portsmouth.

Martinez will be calling for consistency but against a Spurs squad with Jermain Defoe, Robbie Keane and Peter Crouch amongst an embarrassment of attacking riches, they could find it a bridge too far.

Finally, Stoke City will be aiming to get back to winning ways at their Britannia Stadium home on Sunday in their clash against a rejuvenated Portsmouth.

Tony Pulis will have drilled home the importance for his players to concentrate following the 2-2 draw against Wolverhampton Wanderers during their last home game on October 31.

Portsmouth, who have won two of their last five league games after losing their first seven outings, have given themselves hope and are currently just three points behind Wolves at the foot of the table.

The two met in February in last season's Premier League campaign and they played out an absorbing 2-2 draw.

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