A few years ago, this would have been a match between two solid Premier League sides with aspirations of qualifying for European competition. However, times have changed and now neither side are even in the Premier League.
Bolton did well to return to the Championship after just one year in League One, while Leeds seem to be stuck in a perpetual battle to get out the English second tier. It’s hard to believe that this is the same club that was contesting Champions League semi-finals in the early 00s.
It’s been a long and painful fall for the Yorkshire side. They will be hoping that this year is their year and that they can return to the glory days when players such as Mark Viduka, Alan Smith and Harry Kewell played their football at Elland Road.
Bolton Wanderers form
The Tykes managed to finish second in last year’s League One. It was an impressive season for the club, but one their team supporters should have never been subject to. A lack of investment in quality players and lack of performance from under quality managers saw them drop through the divisions.
The 86 points they managed in last year’s third tier was enough to see them finish as runners-up to Sheffield United. They got that position and with it promotion by finishing just four points above Scunthorpe United. This year will require a greater jump in quality, with a tough start welcoming Championship challengers Leeds United.
Leeds United form
Last year was a disappointing one for Leeds United. They finished just outside the playoff positions in seventh place and thus were denied a chance at a Premier League return. They will be looking for more from their players this year, with a target of automatic promotion being their aim.
They will be hoping that their slew of new signings hit the ground running, with Matthew Pennington and Ezgjan Aliosk among the names of players who are expected to make an immediate impact in the division.
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Both clubs have strengthened their side in the lead up the new Championship seas. Pennington and Aliosk are joined by the likes of Samuel Saiz Alonso, Vurnon Anita, Caleb Ekuban , Mateusz Klich and Felix Wiedwald.
Bolton have also made a few solid signings for this season. Sammy Ameobi, Will Buckley, Stephen Darby and Mark Little will all do their upmost to try to keep Bolton in the division for the year to come.
Betting tips
These two sides are at the opposite ends of the spectrum for Championship teams. Bolton will be hoping to just stay in the division, while Leeds will fancy themselves as automatic promotion candidates.
Thus, backing Leeds to win this fixture at a price of 6/4 with Ladbrokes seems like an excellent bet to us and one that is sure to return a good rate.
We are going to try to squeeze even greater odds out of this, by backing Leeds to be winning at half-time and full-time at a price of 10/3. Easy money if you consider the gaps in quality between the two squads. This game is only going to go one way and that’s in favour of the away team.