Bolton Wanderers v Birmingham City: Scots square up at the Reebok

It’s the battle of the Scots again as Owen Coyle and Alex McLeish lock horns and both of them have enjoyed their time in the top flight this season. Owen Coyle worked miracles at Burnley before taking over the helm at struggling Bolton and has guided them to safety while Alex McLeish has led the Blues to a top half finish in their first season back in the big time. But who will be the happiest of the two come 6pm today?

Bolton have become a harder team to beat in recent weeks but haven’t won at the Reebok since they thrashed Wigan Athletic 4-0 in March while Birmingham City’s only away win in 2010 came at Portsmouth. The Blues have been unable to sustain their impressive mid-season form but Big Eck will be pleased with his side’s efforts nonetheless.

Birmingham travel to the Reebok seeking their first win there since 2003 – their only win at Bolton since 1965 – but the Trotters will be hoping to give their fans something to shout about. A draw seems to be a favourable outcome.

Bolton Wanderers v Birmingham City; Kick Off 4pm 09 May 2010

Prediction Panel

Our panel contains both Squarefootball writers and readers, the writers are marked: (sqf).

Dave Blackburn : 2 - 1
Chris Cox : 0 - 0
Graham Enwright : 0 - 2
Sue Gardener : 2 - 0
Chris Goodwin : 1 - 2
Paul Grech (sqf) : TBC
Colin Illingworth (sqf) : 2 - 1
Hugh Larkin (sqf) : 1 - 1
Peter Lee : 1 - 1
Don McMahon : 0 - 1
Antony Melvin (sqf) : 1 - 0
Paul O'Meara (sqf) : TBC
Dave Nash : 1 - 0
Stephen Orford (sqf) : TBC
Tony Ratton : 1 - 1
Peter Rendle : 1 - 1
Dan Taylor : 1 - 1
Andy Wakeman : 1 - 1
Mark Williams : 1 - 1

Panel Verdict

The Panel believes a draw may be a fair result.

Home: 5; Draw: 8; Away: 3; TBC: 3.

* Do we have it right, or do you know better? Please don't bother with derisory comments on the predictions after the match - unless you also pulled us up before it!