Bolton Wanderers started their pre-season campaign off in much the same way as they ended last term – in dismal fashion.
Owen Coyle’s men lost all five of their last Premier League games in the 2010-11 campaign, losing to Fulham, Blackburn, Sunderland, Blackpool and Manchester City.
Indeed, fans have look back as far as April 24th for the club’s last victory, which saw the Trotters run out 2-1 winners against Arsenal.
This term has yet to see a turnaround in form, with the Reebok Stadium outfit being outfoxed by US second-tier team Tampa Bay last time out.
Despite such a poor run of results, Bolton are priced as clear favourites for the next clash in their American adventure as they face MLS side Houston Dynamo.
bwin prices the English side at 11/10 to secure their first win seven attempts against Dominic Kinnear’s side, while the Orange Crush are seen as 39/20 outsiders and the draw is priced at 12/5.
Coyle will hope that US international Stuart Holden’s knowledge of the game Stateside will help his team achieve a turn of fortune, while captain Kevin Davies and highly-rated centre back Gary Cahill, who is rumoured to be on Arsenal’s summer shopping list, will be looking to play their way into form before the new season.
However, the Dynamo are a well disciplined side, having lost just one of their last five games, and also boast a number of experienced individuals.
Midfield star Jermaine Taylor has 50 international caps for Jamaica, while captain Brian Ching has represented the US 45 times. Teammate Brad Davis is also a seasoned campaigner, having made his international debut in 2004.
That said, with only short odds available on the Bolton win, punters could be tempted by some of the other bet bwin has made available for the game.
Backing both teams to score offers odds of 12/25, while those who believe one team, or both, will fail to find the back of the net will find a price of 29/20.
Fans can also back an even number of goals at 83/100 or an odd number of converted efforts at 19/20.
New customers can register here to receive a £25 free bet.
