Bolton vs West Ham Betting Odds – Cole fires West Ham to much-needed victory
Soccer Odds: Pick West Ham -135
Online betting players know that not all good matches come from the top of the table; the teams at the bottom of the table have just as much to play for. West Ham and Bolton are two of those teams, and the two will clash in London this weekend. Bolton has struggled on the road, especially defensively, and West Ham have an in-form striker who will take advantage of them.
Bolton vs West Ham Betting Odds: West Ham -135; Bolton +350; Draw +230
What: Soccer betting
When: Saturday, March 6, 10:00 AM ET
Where: Upton Park, London, England
KeyStats: Bolton is unbeaten in five straight against West Ham
The Storyline: Bolton vs West Ham Betting Odds
Bolton sits just two points above the relegation zone in 15th place, and they bounced back from a 4-0 beating at the hands of Tottenham in the FA Cup with a 1-0 win at home over Wolves, another team in the relegation dogfight. West Ham aren’t much further ahead in 13th place, just one point ahead of Bolton, and they were thumped 3-0 at Manchester United last week. There is only eight points separating the bottom eight teams in the Premiership, and a win for either team would give them a little breathing room.
Offensive Matchups: Bolton vs West Ham Betting Odds
Bolton played seven matches in the month of February, scoring two goals, both at home. Their leading scorer, Ivan Klasic, hasn’t scored in 2010, and only 12 of their 30 goals have come away from home, failing to score in five straight matches away from the Reebok.
West Ham were blanked against Manchester United, but they had scored six goals in their prior three matches, including a 3-0 shutout of Hull City. Carlton Cole has scored two of his last three games, and he managed to make it on to the pitch for the final few minutes of England’s 3-1 win over Egypt on Wednesday.
Soccer pick: West Ham
Defensive Matchups: Bolton vs West Ham Betting Odds
Bolton’s defense has been inconsistent since Gary Cahill went down with a blood clot in his arm early last month, which means that Zat Knight is the leader of the back four. Even though he scored against Wolves, he’s not a good defender unless he has a good partner. It’s a good thing Bolton has Jussi Jaaskelainen, who has inexplicably stayed at Bolton since 1997, even though he’s had chances to go to bigger clubs
West Ham’s defense was carved apart at Manchester United, but better teams have had problems holding down United at Old Trafford. Matthew Upson earned a call-up to the England team on Wednesday, but was badly at fault for the Egypt goal. Upson was always tipped to be a big international star, but injuries and form have kept him out of the team. Teammate Robert Green was in between the sticks for England as well, and handled himself well.
Soccer pick: Draw
Notable Injuries: Bolton vs West Ham Betting Odds
Cahill (arm) won’t be back for a couple of weeks, reportedly, which is a big blow to Bolton’s sportsbook chances.
Benni McCarthy (knee) is doing his best to get ready for the weekend.
Soccer pick: West Ham
Totals: Bolton vs West Ham Betting Odds
Seven of the last 10 meetings between these two have gone over the posted total, including the last three. West Ham has scored five goals in their last two games at home, but the defense doesn’t inspire confidence, not if Upson plays like he did on Wednesday for England.
Pick: Over 2.5
Betting Prediction: Bolton vs West Ham Betting Odds
Bolton has won two and drawn one of their last four trips to Upton Park, but we’re not betting on them this time, not with the problems they’ve been having with putting the ball in the back of the net. West Ham are far more prolific at home, and Knight will make a mistake on Cole at some point. Jaaskelainen has been great in goal for Bolton, but he can’t do it on his own.
Free picks: West Ham -135
