It was a predictably poor opening weekend for Bolton, who fielded very few experienced players at Adams’ Park last Saturday. The club is in disarray and an end to their woes doesn’t appear to be forthcoming. In contrast, Coventry, who’ve also had more than their fair share of off-field problems over the last few years, made a winning start to the new campaign.
Despite both the current state of the club and the fact that opening day brought about the taste of defeat, there were two very clear positives for Bolton last Saturday. Even during such a tough period, the support shown by Trotters’ fans, who were rightly complimented by the hosts, was fantastic, while the inexperienced players involved, of which there was no shortage, showed both heart and desire, as they fought for what was essentially a lost cause.
In footballing terms, there was little for Phil Parkinson, who fielded just three fully established pros at Adams Park, to get excited about last weekend. His side were outplayed in all areas, as they registered just two shots, neither of which hit the target, and conceded no less than 25, ten of which tested keeper Remi Mathews, who looks set for a busy campaign between the sticks. Overall, there could be no complaints about Wycombe’s 2-0 win, as there was a clear gap in quality between the pair.
Unlike the Trotters, it was a pleasing first day for Coventry, who beat Southend by a goal to nil at their temporary home of St. Andrews. It wasn’t spectacular, though the Sky Blues gave off an air of solidity, as they fought hard for their opening-day victory. They gave little away, conceding just five shots, only one of which hit the target. They also surrendered just 0.61 expected goals for.
Going forward, Coventry, who this week did some seemingly shrewd business by bringing in striker Matt Godden from Peterborough, looked a little tame, as they created just 0.29 expected goals more than the Shrimpers, though they’ve undoubtedly got more up their sleeve in that department, so the fact that they looked solid was the main thing.
From a betting point of view, this is one of the less appealing games, though those looking for a bet can try ‘Coventry to Win & Under 3.5 Goals’. Bolton are going to struggle on a regular basis this season; they lack the overall quality and depth to compete with sides such as Coventry, though for all their problems, they did resist Wycombe for long periods last weekend. Add in the fact that Coventry weren’t overly powerful going forward, and backing the visitors to win without running riot, much as they did a week ago, appears to be the best option.
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