Anelka returns to his old stomping ground
Nicolas Anelka left Bolton Wanderers to join Chelsea last January and makes his first return to the Reebok Stadium this weekend, where in-form Bolton take on Big Phil Scolari's high-flying Stamford Bridge side.
Despite being the Premiership's top scorer when he left Lancashire the Frenchman took a while to settle in at Stamford Bridge and spent much of the 2007/2008 campaign playing second fiddle to Didier Drogba. However, Drogba's injury and now suspension problems have allowed Anelka his moment in the sun and he is now banging in goals for fun at his new side. Anelka has a habit of scoring against his former clubs, Mr Arsene Wenger can testify to that, anyone looking for a football betting tip this weekend could do a lot worse than backing Anelka as first scorer at the Reebok.
Despite their limited resources in comparison to Chelsea, Bolton should not be counted out of this encounter. They've had a good run of late and have seen off Manchester City, Hull, Sunderland and Middlesbrough recently, while record signing Johan Elmander is showing the kind of form to justify his price tag. The Wanderers have one of the meanest defences in the Premier League and are not above giving out some rough treatment, they're not going to give Anelka an easy ride just because he used to wear the white shirt.
There is no doubt that Anelka is one of the world's best strikers and he can be a handful for any defence. The defensive partnership of Gary Cahill and Andy O'Brien will know all about his talent and you can get some decent soccer betting odds on the duo keeping out Chelsea's forwards.
I'm thinking that Chelsea are going to be just a bit too strong for Bolton this weekend and they seem to be playing with greater freedom and more confidence away from home. It's going to be a tough contest but I expect Chelsea to come away with a victory with Anelka grabbing the first in a 2-1 win.
Despite being the Premiership's top scorer when he left Lancashire the Frenchman took a while to settle in at Stamford Bridge and spent much of the 2007/2008 campaign playing second fiddle to Didier Drogba. However, Drogba's injury and now suspension problems have allowed Anelka his moment in the sun and he is now banging in goals for fun at his new side. Anelka has a habit of scoring against his former clubs, Mr Arsene Wenger can testify to that, anyone looking for a football betting tip this weekend could do a lot worse than backing Anelka as first scorer at the Reebok.
Despite their limited resources in comparison to Chelsea, Bolton should not be counted out of this encounter. They've had a good run of late and have seen off Manchester City, Hull, Sunderland and Middlesbrough recently, while record signing Johan Elmander is showing the kind of form to justify his price tag. The Wanderers have one of the meanest defences in the Premier League and are not above giving out some rough treatment, they're not going to give Anelka an easy ride just because he used to wear the white shirt.
There is no doubt that Anelka is one of the world's best strikers and he can be a handful for any defence. The defensive partnership of Gary Cahill and Andy O'Brien will know all about his talent and you can get some decent soccer betting odds on the duo keeping out Chelsea's forwards.
I'm thinking that Chelsea are going to be just a bit too strong for Bolton this weekend and they seem to be playing with greater freedom and more confidence away from home. It's going to be a tough contest but I expect Chelsea to come away with a victory with Anelka grabbing the first in a 2-1 win.
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