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Premiership

Man Utd v Bolton: Approach the goals markets gingerly

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"Mystical" Mike Norman tells us why he expects Paul Scholes and his mates to pick up three points but playing Liverpool on Sunday means a landslide is unlikely to be on the cards

Manchester United will attempt to pull three points clear of the chasing pack on Wednesday, as they entertain Lancashire rivals Bolton Wanderers - live on Sky Sports One, kick-off 8:00pm.

Sir Alex Ferguson's men have quickly pulled back a five point deficit from just a few weeks ago in which they traded at a high of [5.0] to retain the Premiership. They are now available at just [1.63] to be champions of England once again, with Chelsea now their closest market rivals at [4.4].

At the other end of the table, Bolton are fluctuating around the [2.2] mark to be relegated - and in their current form, Championship football looks a distinct possibility next season.

History & Current Form

Throughout the decades, Manchester United and Bolton Wanderers have been closely matched in league football - United having marginally the better record (44 wins to Bolton's 41), while 24 have finished all square. The last dozen meetings between the teams have seen the Red Devils score exactly four goals on at least five occasions, though the two times they failed to score, Bolton ran out 1-0 winners, including the reverse fixture at the Reebok Stadium in November.

United have been uninspiring of late, with narrow victories over Lyon and Derby sandwiching a home defeat to Portsmouth in the FA Cup. They have won three Premiership games on the bounce however, and with Ronaldo continuing in great form, and their outstanding defence as reliable as ever, a victory against Bolton is fully expected.

Gary Megson is reported to have read the riot act after Bolton suffered their fourth consecutive Premiership defeat on Sunday - this just a few days after their exit from the UEFA Cup. They have only scored three first half goals (and seven in total) in their last twelve league games, and the lack of a proven striker at the club could cost them their Premiership status in a few months time.

Team News

Ben Foster should keep his place in goal after a fine performance against Derby County at the weekend. Edwin van der Sar is still suffering with a groin problem so Tomasz Kuszczak will take his place on the bench. All United's influential outfield players are available, but it's worth remembering that they entertain Liverpool at the weekend so the boss may rotate his squad and rest a few of his stars - last minute team news could therefore be essential before placing your bets.

Bolton's experienced keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen has been ruled out for the remainder of the season so Ali Al Habsi will deputise in goal. Other than that, Wanderers have no fresh injury worries and will continue with Kevin Davies and El-Hadji Diouf in attack - desperate to try and score the goals the team have lacked since Nicolas Anelka's departure.

Betfair Markets

Manchester United are outstanding favourites at [1.17] to win the game and I fully expect a home victory. Bolton can be backed at [25] to cause the mother of all shocks, while even the draw seems unlikely at odds of [9.2]. The home team have won all seven games at Old Trafford in which they have led at half time - the odds on 'Man Utd/Man Utd' in the 'Half-Time/Full-Time' market is [1.58] and this should not be opposed.

United's most popular winning score in the Premiership this season has been 1-0, and that scoreline can be backed at [8.6] for a repeat on Wednesday. Their next most popular score has been 2-0, and this is currently available at [6.6]. United have also scored four or more goals on seven separate occasions in the league - this brings into play 'Any Unquoted' score at odds of [3.75]. A home clean sheet is definitely on the cards and can be backed at odds of [1.71].

My confidence in a lot of goals being scored is somewhat tempered by the knowledge that United have a massive game at the weekend - however, if United do keep their foot on the pedal then 'Over 2.5 Goals' should happen at odds of [1.6], while 'Over 3.5 Goals' is available at [2.54]. My personal preference would be to back Manchester United to win the first half 1-0 ([3.2]) and 2-0 ([4.6]), then just play in-running during the second half depending on how Fergie re-shuffles his team.

Team news is essential before deciding where to place your cash in the 'First Goalscorer' market; however it's impossible to look beyond Ronaldo, Rooney or Tevez depending on who plays from the start - all three should be available between [5.0] and [8.0] once this market takes shape.

One to Avoid

United have scored an amazing 59 goals in the Premiership this season, but only three in the first ten minutes of their games, while Bolton have scored only once in the same period - therefore backing the first goal to be scored in '0-10 Minutes' at odds of [4.2] is my one to avoid - you can lay the same bet at [5.4].