Bolton and the Battle for the Drop

It's that time of year again. As winter turns to spring, European football reaches the knockout stages and the Premier League enters the final 10 games of the season, the competition gets serious.

Many feel it's all over at the top, but in the relegation battle Bolton sit 11th, but only six points above the drop zone. It's a perfect example of the fight to avoid the drop this season, with lots of teams tightly packed together, where every match has something riding on it. 

What are Bolton's chances of avoiding the drop? The short answer is pretty good. Bookmakers SkyBet will give you odds of 12/1 of the Trotters avoiding the drop at the time of writing, longer than eight other clubs including all three North East clubs, Blackburn and West Brom.

Wanderers have encountered problems and successes this season. The first is one of some debate amongst fans and the media - manager Gary Megson. Megson took over in October 2007 and kept Bolton up that season, and has spearheaded an improved campaign this term.

But many fans are still unhappy about the quite negative style of play at times, the tactical retreats that result in games that should have won not being won, in addition to some, what appears to be, unsuccessfulsignings - Ariza Makukula anyone?

There have also been concerns about the centre of midfield, with little or no creativity. This has been remedied to some extent by the signing of Mark Davies in January, who has attacking potential for all to see.

However, there are bright sparks too. Kevin Davies' form this season has been arguably career-best. With 10 goals this season, he and Gabriel Agbonlahor of Aston Villa are the two top English goalscorers in the top flight, which has led Davies to get into Fabio Capello's provisional England squad.

The same accolade went to Gary Cahill, who some believe to be the top young defender in England. Matt Taylor, with his brilliant free-kicks and long shots, may also be considered for the national team in future.

Add this to other talent such as Gretar Steinsson, Juusi Jaaskelainen, Ricardo Gardner, and if he was to get fit Johan Elmander and this is a side that can finish in the top ten with a bit of luck.

Bolton are in a run of key games at the moment. The remaining games in March are Fulham at home and West Brom away, followed by a home game against 19th placed Middlesbrough on April 4. These are all winnable games, seven to nine points here will all but guarantee survival.

After that there will be some tricky ties, with the visit of Aston Villa, and trips to Chelsea and cash-loaded Manchester City, but with also games such as Hull at home in there, opportunities are still present.

I believe that Bolton will survive, and predict they will finish around 14th place.

My tips for the drop are West Brom, who try to play attractive football but are too often opened up in defence, Middlesbrough who have scored less goals than any other team in the division, despite the recent win over Liverpool, and Stoke, who are reliant on their very good home form as they have still yet to win away