EFL fan Matthew Kirby (@M_Kirby95) oversees Monday night's action from the third-tier, as Bolton host Blackpool in League One, picking out his best bets.
Bolton v Blackpool | Monday 7th October 2019, 19:45 | Sky Sports
Blackpool make the short trip to Bolton for some League One football in front of the Sky Sports cameras.
Bolton’s problems have been well documented, but Keith Hill has been able to bring a few players, which he’ll hope will have a positive impact on the pitch and result in them getting their first league win of the season.
Blackpool profited without playing on Saturday as Sunderland lost at Lincoln and Fleetwood were defeated by league leaders Ipswich. A win here could see the Seasiders climb into third spot.
Narrow away win?
Blackpool opened the season with a six-match unbeaten run (W3-D3-L0), but slipped to two defeats at the start of last month that could well have knocked them out of their stride.
But Simon Grayson is a wise manager and he has helped steady the ship, which has them go three games without defeat. That run has seen a 90th minute winner at Doncaster and a 90th minute equaliser against Accrington, so they never stop working.
A late goal in this one could be an interesting angle. Bolton conceded a last minute penalty against Sunderland in their last home game and their youngsters may not be fine tuned physically to the rigours of successive games.
Blackpool have struggled on their travels having won just twice, while they’ve drawn three, plus lost at Coventry.
I’m expecting an away win, but it might not make for pretty viewing, so the Correct Score markets are also worth considering. Blackpool 1-0 (15/2 BetVictor) and Blackpool 2-0 (8/1 bet365) are the two scores I’d be willing to dutch.
Pragmatic approaches
Keith Hill has taken over the reigns at the University of Bolton Stadium to try and user in a new dawn. He’s got his methods across in the last few games, plus the additions of Chris O’Grady, Daryl Murphy and Liam Bridcutt will give some of the younger players some vital experience to feed off.
In Bolton’s last four games in all competitions, there have been just four goals, so I wouldn’t be expecting plenty of goalmouth action given the way they’ll set up to nullify their high-flying visitors.
Simon Grayson is another pragmatic manager. Three of Blackpool’s last four away games have seen Under 2.5 Goals, including a 0-0 draw at Rochdale.
This could be a game of patience for Blackpool and given both sides recent results, I’m having to take a look at the Under 2.5 Goals market.
Belgian brilliance
If the hosts are to have any joy, then look towards Stoke loanee Thibaud Verlinden. The 20-year-old made an impression at the bet365 Stadium at the back end of last season, but Nathan Jones has seen fit to allow him out on loan to gain further experience.
He showed what he’s capable of doing when opening the scoring for Bolton in their 6-1 defeat at Rotherham and he could be one to light up a tight contest.
Since arriving at Wanderers, he’s averaging 3.3 dribbles per game and 2.8 shots per game. His pace could cause Ollie Turton a few problems, so the Blackpool defender makes the shortlist for a card and at 11/2 does look a tempting price.
Given the talented youngster had three shots away at Pompey and he had two strikes at the Sunderland goal, then look towards him shooting on sight when the markets become available.
Best Bets
Bolton v Blackpool – Under 2.5 Goals (11/10 Betfair)
