Hodgson facing must win Liverpool showdown against Bolton
Published:Roy Hodgson faces almost what is a must win game against Bolton at Anfield next if he wants to ease any of the pressure that has been building on his shoulders since the start of the campaign.
Liverpool supporters do not expect to have lost eight league games at the midway point of the season and certainly would have anticipated being in title contention rather than just three points clear of the relegation places.
Hodgson’s precarious position was further heightened by a surprise 1-0 home loss to Wolves, which is their second surprise defeat at Anfield this season, with Blackpool having already left with maximum points.
Chants of Kenny Dalglish rang around Anfield after the defeat and Hodgson must beat Bolton to make any sort of inroad into calming the unrest of the supporters.
Liverpool are 4/6 to beat Bolton in the Premier League betting odds, with the visitors flying high in sixth in the standings at present.
However, history is in Hodgson’s favour as Liverpool have won all of their last eight matches with Bolton, including a 1-0 success at the Reebok Stadium in October when Maxi Rodriguez grabbed a late winner.
Another defeat could spell the end for Hodgson and Bolton are 4/1 to inflict a third home defeat on Liverpool this season.
And he has called for the fans to get behind the team to boost the chances of securing the three points against Bolton.
Hodgson said: “It is not for lack of trying that we are not winning matches.
“Maybe we are lacking quality and lacking confidence – the negativity doesn’t help. The players are not getting on the ball for fear of making mistakes.”
A £10 stake on Liverpool beating Bolton 1-0 and Maxi scoring would return £450. New customers can sign up here for a free £10 bet.
