Bolton vs Chelsea Betting Tips

The Chelsea team bus makes it second stop on Lancashire terrain within the space of three days when the Blues, fresh from their 1-1 draw with Man Utd at Old Trafford on Sunday, visit Bolton at the Reebok Stadium on Wednesday evening. Jose Mourinho's men have collected three points from this fixture in each of the last three seasons, but The Trotters come into this match with a full head of steam after beating Arsenal 3-1 on Saturday and, one thing's for sure, they won't feel remotely intimidated by Chelsea's galacticos, who have been beaten twice on their travels already this season, against Middlesbrough and Spurs. Sam Allardyce is adept at cutting his coat according to his cloth and has managed to bring out the best, even in some of the most tempestuous characters - El Hadji Diouf being a prime example. And, judged on Nicolas Anelka's two-goal performance against Arsenal, the manager may well succeed where many before him have failed and tame the Frenchman's tiger within. With Anelka, Davies and Diouf to deal with, Chelsea's defence will have their work cut out. Bur having conceded just five times in seven Premiership away fixtures, despite their two defeats, Chelsea have a defensive record on rival soil that is bettered only by Man Utd. And, whereas the Wanderers bullied the elegant Arsenal, they'll not be able to man-handle Chelsea in a similar fashion, as the London club are a robust outfit, especially in the centre of the park. Indeed, it's their strength in midfield which makes Chelsea such a hard team to beat - the likes of Ballack, Essien, Lampard and Makelele are all energetic, physical players. If anything, they will be bossing Bolton. And they will need to if they are to maintain the pressure on current league leaders Man Utd, while simultaneously keeping the third-placed Wanderers at arms length. Given that Chelsea often warm to their task during matches, particularly away from home - and bearing in mind how tough Bolton are to break down at the Reebok - I reckon that this game will be won and lost in the second half, with Chelsea edging it, as their superior midfield will enable them to carve out the greater number of opportunities. As such, my advice is to opt for draw/Chelsea in the double result market at 7/2 with Blue Square. Verdict - 2pts draw/Chelsea in the double result market @ 7/2 (Blue Square)