Bristol City to move to third in Championship with Friday win
Bristol City have put a barren spell behind them. The poor run of form saw the Robins lose three straight Championship games. However, Lee Johnson’s side are playing better and a win could take them into third place in the league.
Bristol City defeated Bolton the last time the two teams met in September. It was an easy 2-0 win for the Robins. Bolton have improved since the early weeks of the season, but Wanderers are mired in the relegation zone. Bolton are third from bottom and a win could see them emerge from the relegation pile.
Goal scoring has been Bolton’s biggest deficiency this term. The side has scored the third fewest goals in the Championship (26), while allowing the third most goals (46).
Home has been where the heart is for Bolton as the Wanderers have secured 18 of 26 points at the Macron Stadium. Bolton have lost just once in their last six home games and Phil Parkinson’s team will be difficult to beat on Friday night.
Bristol City on the other hand are back in form. Undefeated in their last two matches, the Robins have revived their promotion chances just at the right time. A win will move them to third place, but level on points with second place Derby ahead of their Saturday fixture. Johnson and company have been good away from home this term. The team has registered nearly half its total points away from Ashton Gate.
Bristol City made three January transfer signings to improve the club’s promotion chances. Liam Walsh arrived from Everton on a permanent deal. Meanwhile Liverpool’s Ryan Kent and Saint-Etienne’s Lois Diony joined on loan deals. Bobby Reid remains Bristol City’s leading goal scorer with 12 strikes this season. Kent is highly thought of on Merseyside, and he could provide the striker with plenty of goal scoring opportunities from the flank.
Bolton are not only fighting for Championship survival but the club are trying to hold onto leading goal scorer Gary Madine. The Englishman may not feature in Friday’s match depending on a possible transfer to Cardiff City. A deal has been agreed between the clubs, but Madine must now agree on personal terms and pass a medical. Losing the striker will be a huge blow for Bolton. Madine has scored 38% of the team’s goals. Bolton are in need of cash, but losing Madine will surely mean the team is relegated.
Bristol will do the double over Bolton on Friday night and the result should see the Robins inch closer to automatic promotion. Meanwhile, a Bolton loss will see Wanderers heading the opposite direction.
Home
Football 
Basketball
Hockey
American Football
Baseball
Rugby
Volleyball
Handball
Esoccer
