Bolton v Man City: Early Premier League leaders collide
Posted 19th August 2011
The top-two in the Premier League after the opening weekend face off on Sunday as Manchester City travel to the Reebok Stadium to take on Bolton.
It was definitely a tale of two halves for Manchester City on Monday night in their game against Swansea. In the opening half, City looked flat and uninspired and it looked as if we were seeing the old, defensive approach being deployed once again by manager Roberto Mancini.
In the second half however, with the introduction on new signing Sergio Aguero, the side seemed to come into life and played some brilliant attacking football. The former Atletico Madrid striker really does look as if he is going to be amazing player for Manchester City and if he keeps performing like he did on his debut, where he bagged two goals and an assist, City will have a good shot at landing the Premier League trophy this season.
In the 4-0 win over Swansea, other stand-out performances came from Edin Dzeko who seems to have found his scoring touch, and David Silva who was superb operating just off the striker, linking up play between midfield and attack and creating some beautiful passing movements.
Bolton were the surprise leaders of the Premier League at the weekend after they trounced newly-promoted QPR 4-0 at Loftus Road on Saturday. It was not as much a dominating performance as Man City produced as Rangers had a lot of possession but just couldn't find the break through against Bolton.
Manager Owen Coyle, however, will be happy with his side and hoping this glut of goals is a sign of things to come for the season ahead. It was a worry for Bolton over the summer when they lost their two main strikers in Johan Elmander and Daniel Sturridge that they would not have enough fire power in their side. Bolton still don't really have a top quality striker in their side but manager Owen Coyle will know there are goals in his team.
In the betting for Sunday's game, Manchester City are firm favourites at 4/5 with Unibet, with a Bolton win at 13/4 and a draw priced at 5/2.
Last season, Roberto Mancini's tactics used to be too defensive when City went on the road but he knows that he must challenge for the title this campaign. There is some great attacking talent in the side and it was seen on Monday night that if they are used right they can really do some damage.
It will be interesting to see if Aguero does start because he looked very good in his first outing. David Silva is almost certain to start and he should be able to carve up the Bolton defence for City.
Last season Man City won this fixture 2-0 and it could profitable to bet on this scoreline again. Bolton are an organised, defensive unit under Owen Coyle but they shouldn't be able to hold out too long against this Man City attack.
Tip #1: Back Manchester City to win at 4/5 with Unibet.
Tip #2: Back Manchester City 2-0 at 33/4 with Unibet.
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