Fulham v Bolton Wanderers Title defence number: 1

When I saw this fixture this morning I thought  this could've been the first fixture of the season where neither team had anything to play for, apart from the title defense obviously but looking at the tables I couldn't have been more wrong.
Bolton have an outside chance of taking fifth place which would ensure Europa League football next season whereas Fulham are only five points away from the relegation zone so a win for both sides are vital.


Fulham have been somewhat anonymous this season, in fact it was only when they uncovered the Michael Jackson statue outside Craven Cottage that I remembered they were even in the Premier League!!
Clint Dempsey could make a little bit of Fulham history tonight. Should he score it will be his 32nd goal for Fulham and become their highest Premier League goalscorer.
After last seasons Europa League exploits this season has been somewhat of a downer for the Cottagers. Although they haven't been in trouble towards the bottom of the table they haven't pulled up many trees and progressed from last season's exploits. Although they should be safe for another season Mark Hughes knows he will have to strengthen his squad to avoid trouble next season.
Fulham will be without Damien Duff, Diomansy Kamara and Phillippe Senderos through injury they will be glad to have talisman Bobby Zamora back after a lengthy layoff and he could well spearhead a lack luster attack that has seen them score 37 goals in 33 matches.


Bolton Wanderers, the title holders. They surprised many people at the weekend disposing of previous champions Arsenal, especially after the 5-0 thumping they took at Wembley in the FA Cup semi-final but they have had an excellent season. Currently in 8th place they have played some attractive football under Owen Coyle but they still know how to mix it with the best of them. Bolton have seen Kevin Davies and Gary Cahill make their international debuts which goes to show the excellent progress made at The Reebok. Tonight they will be looking at Daniel Sturridge to continue his goal scoring form. Elmander seems to have gone quiet on the scoring front and captain Kevin Davies will continue to be the muscle man up front, getting in where it hurts. Bolton's away record has let them down this season where they have 2 wins in 16 matches, just a couple more wins could have seen then secure European action next season. Fulham's home form is whats keeping them above the relegation zone only losing 3 matches at the cottage this season so with this in mind I can see the Bolton reign as Unofficial Champions ending tonight.


Head 2 Head: Fulham 25 wins, 21 draws, Bolton 27 wins
Last Meeting (at Craven Cottage): 28/11/2009 - Fulham 1 (Duff 75) - Bolton 1 (Klasnic 35)
Best Odds: Fulham 5/6 (Bluesq)     Draw 11/4 (Victor Chandler)     Bolton 4/1 (Bet365)
Prediction: Fulham 1-0 Bolton (25/4 Unibet)