Portsmouth vs Bolton

Portsmouth and Bolton have only locked horns six times since the inauguration of the Premiership and they have won two games apiece and drawn two, which is indicative of how closely matched the two sides are. It should once again be close when they clash at Fratton Park on Monday evening. Harry Redknapp's charges have made a scintillating start to their campaign. Few would have predicted that Pompey would be at the head of the Premiership after five games. Although it's early days - and it's unlikely that they will remain there for much longer - it's still a heck of an achievement on Portsmouth's part, especially give how close they were to relegation last season. It has to be said, Redknapp really does possess the midas touch when it comes to wheeling and dealing with limited funds in the transfer market. Signing Nwankwo Kanu on a free from West Brom was a stroke of genius - the Nigerian international has already scored four goals in five appearances for the club. Harry has also injected new leases of life into the likes of Sol Campbell and goalkeeper David James, players who have consistently mixed it at the summit of world football. In every sense, Portsmouth look as solid as a rock at present and it'll take something special from the Trotters if they are to escape with three points in the bag. Sam Allardyce's Bolton are as tough as teak and are like a towering fortress at the Reebok Stadium. However, on their travels they are vulnerable, something which was highlighted by their defeat away to Charlton on September 9. Indeed, The Wanderers won just four of their 19 away fixtures last season, and conceded 28 goals, more than any other side that finished in the top eight of the table. It's hard to judge whether Nicolas Anelka's arrival will have the desired affect. Potentially, the 27-year-old could be a steal having been lured away from Fenerbahce for £8million. However, on the other hand, it could prove to be risky business considering the Frenchman's temperament. But if anyone can tame the tiger it's Allardyce. Hopefully, neither sides performance will be impaired by the fact their respective managers have been at the centre of alleged 'bung' scandals, which were brought to light by the television Panorama in midweek. When push comes to shove, momentum counts for an awful lot, and I reckon that this factor will see Portsmouth notch up another three points in this encounter. I do, however, reckon that Bolton will make a good fist of it, particularly in the first half. With this in mind, the value lies in backing draw/Portsmouth in the doubles result market at 4/1 with Blue Square. It is doubtful that this match will turn out to be rich in goals, and it could well be that a single goal or two late on in the match will land the spoils for the home side. Verdict - 1pt draw/Portsmouth in the double result market @ 4/1 (Blue Square)