Bolton v Stoke FA Cup Semi-Final Preview
It doesn’t carry the rivalry that the other FA Cup semi-final between Manchester City and Manchester United does, but Bolton and Stoke are playing at Wembley on Sunday for a place in the FA Cup final. It’s an even match for these mid-table Premiership clubs with Bolton as the short favourites.
Bolton have lost just one of their last nine FA Cup matches and won six of their last nine overall. Darren Sturridge, who has scored six goals in seven starts on loan, is ineligible after playing for his parent club Chelsea. Kevin Davies and Johan Elmander will have to step it up. Davies has just one goal in 14 matches. Elmander has two goals in his last four fixtures and is a better bet to score first with 6/1 odds at Bet365.
Stoke have just one defeat in their last 10 FA Cup fixtures and two losses in their last eight matches overall. John Carew has eight goals in his last nine times out but is doubtful with a back injury. Jonathan Walters has two goal in his last three appearances and has good value to score first with 15/2 odds at Bet365.
Bolton have six clean sheets in their last nine FA Cup matches but it’s a different story against Stoke with just one clean sheet in nine. Four of Bolton’s last five fixtures have resulted in over 2.5 goals, making the over 2.5 total goals a tempting market with 11/10 odds at Bet365. Stoke have just one clean sheet in seven matches against Bolton, and three of four involved over 2.5 goals.
A safe bet for this match would be the highest scoring half market. Of all Premier League teams, Stoke have the highest scoring percentage in the second half of all matches at 72% while Bolton concede the most in the second half at 60%. Back the second half to be the highest scoring half for 21/20 odds at Bet365. The draw is a tempting bet since Stoke haven’t won in six times in London this season
Bolton v Stoke Match Odds (supplied by Bet365)
Bolton: 7/5
Draw: 9/4
Stoke: 2/1