Burnley vs. Bolton: Carling Cup Betting Preview

The last 32 of the Carling Cup this midweek but just one standout bet at the prices.

Burnley entertain Bolton on Tuesday and, while the hosts are now plying their trade in The Championship, following relegation from the Premier League in May, it is they who are worthy of support.

The Clarets began life in the top flight fantastically last term, beating both Manchester United and Everton at Turf Moor, before a poor run of results in the New Year ultimately cost them.

Tottenham were also dispatched last term on home soil, while Arsenal and Aston Villa could only manage draws, and, although a few players who excelled in those performances have since departed, Burnley are very tough to beat in front of their own fans under manager Brian Laws. >

Laws took over the reigns at the Lancashire club following Owen Coyle’s departure for Bolton in January and the latter is sure of a hostile reception when he brings his new side back to face his old charges.

Coyle is performing admirably at The Reebok, Bolton survived with something to spare last season and have started well this, but the Scottish boss has vowed to give his fringe players a chance to impress on Tuesday and the visitors look there for the taking.

Burnley, who boast a 100 per cent record so far this season at home following wins over Preston, Leicester City and Nottingham Forest, were held to a draw last time out at Crystal Palace but, in front of a packed Turf Moor, they look very generously priced at 2.88 with Coral to oblige and I find it very difficult to imagine them getting beat.

With Scottish international Chris Iwelumo leading the line so effectively, he has five league goals to his name already this season, Laws is set to name an unchanged line up from that stalemate at Selhurst Park while it is anticipated his opposite number could well hand a debut to Rodrigo Moreno.

Bolton drew 1-1 at Villa Park on Saturday but those on show 72 hours later are likely to bear little resemblance to the side that gained a point in the West Midlands and Wanderers only edged by Southampton in the previous round of this competition.

Carling Cup bets are becoming increasingly rare these days for this author but with both managers having seemingly revealed their hand early it is time to step in and the wager is a very strong one indeed.

4pts Back Burnley (Draw no Bet, vs. Bolton) @ 2.00 (Paddy Power)