da leao： The Wanderers return to St Andrews having previously defeated the Birmingham side 3-2 in the FA Cup that booked their semi-final fixture at Wembley. They will be hoping to copy the Birmingham side that went on to win the League Cup earlier this season, especially as Bolton look to have Premier League security in 7th on the magical 40 points.
da realbet： Despite City’s cup win, the Blues go into this game 2nd from bottom and Alex McLeish’s men will be hoping that his side are able to treat their remaining league fixtures, like they treated that final against Arsenal.
The Blues are without a win in their last 4 league games but welcome back key players; Nikola Zigic and Lee Bowyer from injury with also Alex Hleb tipped to return to the squad.
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Owen Coyle’s made an impressive step up to management in the top flight with Bolton, top half of the table and a FA Cup semi-final coming up, however the Trotters have suffered 5 defeats and 1 draw in their last six away games in the Premier League.
With Stuart Holden’s unfortunate injury at United, Bolton are stretched for midfielders which may give Birmingham the opportunity to dominate this game. However, Bolton can boast they’re undefeated against Birmingham in the last 5 encounters.
Considering Birmingham’s league position, Alex McLeish and his team will be desperate to get out of the relegation zone and start moving up the table to avoid the drop which would certainly sour the taste of cup success. However, they will have to be on top form if they are to defeat a very competent Bolton side.
Prediction: Birmingham 2-1 Bolton Wanderers
Watch Jason Cundy & Scott Minto on Scoreboard and see their pre-match predictions
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