Bolton/Blackburn

Bolton have a clutch of players who average around 40 points: Steinsson, Robinson, Cahill, Holden, Knight and Davies. Robinson (47) and Knight (45) are the stand out picks and, I would suggest, should be the first on your shortlist. Kevin Davies averages 41 but that masks a wide range of scores: 87, 22 and 15. Petrov, Taylor and Lee could rack up some serious Picklive scores but have rarely played the full 90 and so are probably too risky. One thing to note is that Holden is coming back from injury and so this may affect the length of time he stays on the pitch.

Blackburn have only had 2 players in the top 5 in their last 3 Picklive games. No players in the top 5 against Arsenal is no disgrace but to only have Pedersen in there at home to Sunderland and Villa is less impressive. Pedersen then seems to be the stand out pick for Rovers but he had a miserly 36 points in the Arsenal game and his 70 against Villa included 40 points for two goals. All the other Blackburn players have fluctuated wildly with the exception of Nelsen with a 54 and 44. The New Zealander should be heavily involved today as he'll have a battle on against Davies and Elmander.

I fancy Bolton to score slightly above their average today (As Blackburn are not of the same calibre as Spurs or Liverpool) and Blackburn slightly below as they're away from home for the first time on Picklive this season. That feels like it should translate into a 4/1 mix. However, if you were picking just on averages you would go for Knight, Robinson, Steinsson/Holden, Pedersen and Nelsen. Blackburn do have a fantastic record against Bolton so maybe that is the best mix?

Personally, I fancy Bolton to buck the trend so I'll be going for 4 Trotters, Knight, Robinson, Cahill (Holden is too risky) and Petrov (he's my risky punt if he starts). Plus 1 Rover, Nelsen.

Good luck!

by BensBulls
(Ben Wraith)