Davies to fire Trotters to safety

Bet on the Premier LeagueAfter 37 exciting rounds of fixtures, there is still plenty to play for at both ends of the table on the last day of the Premier League season, with Bolton (1/3 to be relegated) and QPR (9/4) battling to avoid the final relegation place.

Bolton occupy 18th right now and know that only a victory at Stoke will keep them in the top-flight while 17th-placed QPR will believe that an unlikely point away at leaders Manchester City should be enough for them to avoid the drop.

Following their promotion in 2001, Bolton have largely been one of the mid-table stalwarts of the division, with their strong defensive play and plucky resilience.

However, they have struggled recently due to a number of long-term injuries to key players, as well as a lack of investment within the squad, and now stand on the brink or relegation.

They travel to the Britannia Stadium on Sunday and, as already mentioned, need to win to stand any chance of avoiding Championship football next season (Stoke 11/8, draw 5/2, Bolton 15/8 – Match Betting).

However, it will not be easy as Tony Pulis’ side always present a tough challenge, especially on home soil.

Like many before them, Stoke appear to be rather burnt-out following their first season of European football and have struggled in the second half of the campaign.

However, despite their problems, they still have a number of quality players who could threaten Owen Coyle’s men, most notably Peter Crouch. The lanky striker appears to have come back into form recently and he’ll be looking for another big showing following talk of a potential return to the England squad.

If the Trotters are to survive, they will need a big performance from skipper and talisman Kevin Davies (7/4 to score any time). After an indifferent campaign, the veteran has once again proven his worth in recent weeks, scoring a number of vital goals. He’ll relish the challenge of facing the Potters’ physical defenders and he could score the goal that keeps his side up.

After Wigan won at the Britannia on the final day of last season, Bolton will fancy their chances and should just sneak it in an extraordinarily tight encounter.

In the other match which will have a say on relegation, Mark Hughes takes his QPR team to the North-West to face former club Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium (City 1/7, draw 8/1, QPR 16/1 – Match Betting).

The Hoops have an advantage in that the situation is in their hands and a draw would probably see them survive due to their vastly superior goal difference.

However, they face a Citizens team that knows a win will see them claim their first title since 1968 and after a topsy-turvy season, they will be desperate for the points.

The one to watch for City is undoubtedly Carlos Tevez (4/7 to score any time) who, following his much publicised problems in the first half of the season, has inspired his team-mates since returning to the fold in March. He will be desperate to make the difference at the Etihad so look out for a big performance from him.

Despite the odds being stacked against them, QPR can hold some hope in that they have fared reasonably well against the big teams this year, having beaten the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea.

If they are to have any hope of success on Sunday though, striker Djibril Cisse (3/1 to score any time) will need to have the game of his life. The inconsistent Frenchman has scored five in seven since joining the club in January and in the right mood can trouble any defence.

However, City will surely win this quite comfortably and the result could see Rangers return to the Championship after just one season in the top flight.

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Davies has no scores to settle

Bolton skipper Kevin Davies says he has nothing to prove to Roy Hodgson ahead of his side’s clash with Liverpool (Bolton 11/5, Draw 11/5, Liverpool 13/10 – Match Betting).

Hodgson signed Davies when he was Blackburn manager 12 years ago, but the move did not work out for the striker.

But while Davies (8/1 to score first goal) says he hopes Hodgson feels sick after today’s game, he did not criticise the manager for what happened during his time at Ewood Park.

Davies said: “Blackburn at the time was a difficult place and I wasn’t particularly happy, but the experience made me the man and player I am today.

“Roy Hodgson is a top bloke and brilliant coach. I hope he’s whingeing after the match just as other managers have when we’ve had big scalps in the past.”

Hodgson admits he remains a big fan of Davies, who recent earned his first cap for England (1/6 to win Group G) in the Euro 2012 qualifier against Montenegro.

“Kevin has done really well for himself and he is a fantastic footballer,” Hodgson told Liverpoolfc.tv.

“A lot of Bolton’s success has been largely due to the fact that he’s been such a handful up front. He has scored goals and created so many goals so he is a player I have a very special eye open for.”

Meanwhile, England international Gary Cahill says the Wanderers faithful have played a big part in making sure that the Trotters are unbeaten at the Reebok Stadium.

The defender told the club’s website: “The support this season has been superb. It’s important that we go out there and give 110 per cent and put in a performance that they deserve having paid their money to come and watch us every week.”

Bolton boss Owen Coyle has confirmed that striker Ivan Klasnic, who was suspended for the 1-1 draw at Wigan last weekend, is available for this afternoon’s clash against Liverpool.

Joey O’Brien, Ricardo Gardner, Jlloyd Samuel and Sean Davis are all still sidelined with long-term injuries, so Coyle has a settled squad to choose from.

Liverpool will give full-back Glen Johnson a fitness test prior to the match – the England international has missed the last three games with a thigh injury.

Dirk Kuyt is sidelined with a knee problem but is making good progress, while Daniel Agger is still missing with the calf injury which has kept him out for the past month.

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Davies eyes England run

Bolton captain Kevin Davies is eager to prove he has something to offer on the international stage after making his debut in the goalless draw with Montenegro on Tuesday (England 1/7 to win Euro 2012 Qualifying Group G).

Davies, 33, became England’s oldest debutant since Leslie Compton in 1950 when he made a second-half substitute appearance against the surprise package of Euro 2012 qualification Group G, and the Bolton striker is keen to make more appearances for the Three Lions.

The powerful front man managed to impress in his brief 20 minute cameo appearance after replacing Peter Crouch.  England had struggled to impose themselves on Montenegro and aside from some trickery from Adam Johnson, there was little for the Wembley crowd to cheer about.

Davies came on in difficult circumstances, with the team out of sorts and Montenegro growing in confidence, but the Wanderers captain managed to offer another option for England.  Davies created a great chance for Wayne Rooney, whose shot was well saved, before flicking the ball into the path of Gareth Barry, who also saw his effort denied.

The veteran striker is now hopeful he can continue to impress at club level with Bolton in order to force his way into the England squad again, with the next round of qualifiers now five months away in March.

“I’m disappointed because we didn’t win but to have been given the nod and asked to come and try and win the game, and get my cap, makes me really proud,” said Davies.

“It will be a nice drive home with the family but I don’t want to be one of those players who stick around on one cap.”

He added: “There were a few shouts for me to get on (from the crowd), and I really wanted to come on and win the game for England.

“That didn’t happen, but I’m just glad to have been involved. It’s something I thought might never happen and I’m really proud it has.”

Davies may have to wait until March before he gets the chance to impress in a competitive international fixture, but the striker will be hoping to impress for Bolton in the meantime to keep himself in contention for an England spot (Match Betting – Bolton 11/10, draw 11/5, Stoke 12/5).

Meanwhile, boss Fabio Capello has been heavily criticised following the failure to beat Montenegro and the lacklustre display.

However, the Italian insists he is a “fighter” and has vowed to continue in his role despite being booed by the home crowd at the final whistle (England 8/1 to win Euro 2012).

“I am a fighter. It is one game. We have to fight again. I think we are a good team. The goalkeeper was the best player for Montenegro. This is football,” said Capello.

“You have to respect little countries. They have good players. At this moment they are psychologically at a high moment having won three games.

“They were compact. The quality was good. Against Algeria (0-0 at the World Cup ) we didn’t create a lot of chances. Tonight we did create chances.”

England remain second in Group G with seven points, three points adrift of leaders Montenegro, who have played a game more.

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Capello calls for Bolton’s Davies

Kevin daviesFabio Capello has made the shock decision to hand Bolton striker Kevin Davies an England call-up for the Three Lions’ Euro 2012 qualifier against Montenegro (22/1 Group G outright).

The 33-year-old former Blackburn and Southampton striker has never been picked for the full international squad, despite having impressed for the Trotters in recent campaigns.

With Davies coming to the end of his career, it will come as a shock to the player himself that he has been included in the Italian’s 23 for the qualifier.

Capello had few options to choose from with Bobby Zamora and Jermain Defoe injured and Emile Heskey having retired from the international game.

Davies is joined in the squad by Peter Crouch, Darren Bent and Wayne Rooney, despite his recent injury problems.

The Manchester United forward was ruled out for three weeks last week by Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson but has been given a call-up by Capello.

The 23-year-old has struggled for form this season after an awful World Cup, with reports suggesting he has been badly affected by the well publicised off-the-field problems which have dogged his personal life recently.

Despite his problems, Capello has decided to include Rooney for the Wembley clash against Montenegro next Tuesday, who join England (9/1 not to qualify for Euro 2012) at the top of Group G having won their first two matches.

There is no place for Newcastle striker Andy Carroll, despite the promising forward being left out of the England Under-21 squad.

The other surprise inclusions, aside from Davies, include recalls for West Ham’s Robert Green and Liverpool’s Joe Cole, both of whom haven’t been seen in an England shirt since the World Cup.

Cole and Green have had mixed starts for their respective clubs this season, with Capello opting to given the Hammers shot stopper a reprieve in place of Scott Carson.

Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere also makes the 23 having featured in every one of the Gunners matches so far this season.

There are also recalls for John Terry and Rio Ferdinand, after both missed out on the first two qualifiers against Bulgaria and Switzerland.

Aaron Lennon also finds himself back in the England (9/1 Euro 2012 outright) fold with Theo Walcott sidelined through injury.

Those unlucky enough to miss out after call-ups for the last squad include Gary Cahill, Michael Carrick, Carlton Cole and Kieran Gibbs.

England squad in full:

Ben Foster (Birmingham City), Robert Green (West Ham United), Joe Hart (Manchester City);

Ashley Cole (Chelsea), Phil Jagielka (Everton), Glen Johnson (Liverpool), Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United), Joleon Lescott (Manchester City), John Terry (Chelsea), Stephen Warnock (Aston Villa);

Gareth Barry (Manchester City), Joe Cole (Liverpool), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Tom Huddlestone (Tottenham Hotspur), Adam Johnson (Manchester City), Aaron Lennon (Tottenham Hotspur), Jack Wilshere (Arsenal), Shaun Wright-Phillips (Manchester City), Ashley Young (Aston Villa);

Darren Bent (Sunderland), Peter Crouch (Tottenham Hotspur), Kevin Davies (Bolton), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United).

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Davies ready for promotion push

Nottingham Forest are amongst the favourites to secure promotion to the Premier League ahead of the new season and boss Billy Davies insists he is up for the challenge (Forest 13/5 to secure promotion to the Premier League).

Forest were beaten in the play-off semi-finals by Blackpool last season, with the Seasiders eventually getting the better of Cardiff in the final to secure a place in England’s top flight, and Davies is eager to ensure Forest go one better this season.

“I’m looking forward to the challenge and I know the players and my staff feel exactly the same way,” Davies told the club’s official website.

“I always relish the start of a new season. There’s great optimism but as ever there’s also great passion and commitment as well.

“It’s a fantastic challenge again for us – there are exciting times to look forward to, so bring it on.”

Davies has plenty of Championship experience to draw on as he bids to bring success to the City Ground.  The Scottish manager led Preston to the play-off final in 2005, only to see North End miss out to Watford, before leading Derby County to promotion in the 2006/2007 season with a play-off final victory over West Brom.

Davies was axed early the following season by the Rams after a dreadful start to their Premier League campaign but he has since rebuilt his reputation at Forest and many are tipping Davies to lead the Reds to promotion.

However, the Forest boss has largely struggled to secure his transfer targets during the close season and he has basically the same squad at his disposal as he did during the previous campaign.  The considerable talents of goalkeeper Lee Camp, midfielder trio Paul McKenna (captain), Chris Cohen and Polish star Radosaw Majewski will surely help Forest push for promotion, while forwards Nathan Tyson and Rob Earnshaw are always capable of finding the back of the net given the chance and there is still plenty of time left ahead of the close of the transfer window on September 1 for Davies to add to his side.

Middlesbrough, under the guidance of Gordon Strachan, are the current 19/10 favourites to secure promotion to the Premier League with Totesport.  Neil Warnock is also being tipped to take QPR (7/2) back into the top flight after doing his deals early in the summer, while Burnley, who have managed to keep the majority of their squad together, are priced at 18/5 to secure an immediate return to the Premier League.

The likes of Leciester City (9/2), last season’s beaten play-off finalists Cardiff City (5/1) and Bristol City (11/2), who signed England goalkeeper David James earlier this month, will also be gunning for promotion and the Championship promises very competitive ahead of the big kick off.

Forest travel to Burnley for their season opener tomorrow, with Davies eager to lead the City Ground side into the Premier League (Match Betting – Burnley 6/5, draw 9/4, Forest 21/10).

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Davies committed to Forest

Nottingham Forest boss Billy Davies insists he is not about to walk out on the 8/1 joint favourites to win the Championship in 2010/11, with the new season less than a month away.

The Scot took Forest into the play-offs last season where they were knocked out by eventual winners Blackpool over two legs.

Davies’ future has been in the spotlight after he was linked with the Celtic job before Neil Lennon got the nod on a permanent basis.

The former Preston and Derby boss also revealed in April that he would make a decision over his role at the City Ground once the season ended, saying: “In the summer I will sit down and I will discuss with my advisors and representatives the way the situation is with regard to the future and we will look at the future and we’ll make decisions.”

However, speculation resurfaced after he admitted right-back James Perch was sold to long-time suitors Newcastle last week without his knowledge.

But Forest chief executive Mark Arthur has played down any suggestion of a breakdown in the relationship between manager and board.

He told the Evening Post: “The chairman had informed Billy on three separate occasions that, should we get another offer for James Perch from Newcastle that was acceptable to the business of the club, then we would not stand in his way.

“Newcastle had also offered to quadruple Perch’s salary and therefore, with our reluctance to offer him a new contract, it would have been wrong to stand in his way.

“When an offer came through that was acceptable to the board I phoned Billy to tell him of the offer and his response was ‘that is the board’s decision and so be it’.”

Davies himself added: “I have two years left on my contract and I will continue to do my job to the best of my ability until somebody else decides otherwise.”

Along with Forest, Middlesbrough are also 8/1 to win the Championship next season with QPR (10/1), Cardiff, Burnley and Reading (all 11/1) also among the frontrunners.

Forest kick off their campaign with a trip to relegated Burnley on August 7 (Clarets 11/10, draw 11/5, Forest 21/10 – 90 minutes).

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Davies sets Forest terms

Billy DaviesBoss Billy Davies admits he does not want a repeat of his Premier League experience with Derby if he manages to restore Nottingham Forest’s top-flight status later in the month (Forest 5/2 Promotion).

The Scot got the Rams promoted via the play-offs three years ago but arguably it was too much, too soon for the Pride Park outfit who tasted victory on just one occasion in their 38 games.

Davies will try to repeat the feat with Forest this season and says he is “desperate” to pit his wits against the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger again.

“I want to get back there with a club that will financially support its manager, a club that wants to compete at that level and doesn’t want to change owners,” Davies told the BBC.

“That’s my biggest challenge.”

Forest, who play Scunthorpe on Sunday at Glanford Park, have guaranteed themselves a home second leg in the play-off semi-finals. They realistically need just a point to secure third place although they cannot finish lower than fourth spot (Scunthorpe 9/5, draw 12/5, Forest 7/5).

Cardiff can still overhaul them but their preparations for the final game of the regular season and the play-offs have been overshadowed by developments over the future of chairman Peter Ridsdale.

The former Leeds chairman will stand down at the end of the month although he has refused to elaborate further, with a Far East consortium set to invest in the club in the summer.

A statement confirmed: “Peter leaves therefore with the best wishes and thanks of the board of directors and the shareholders of the company for his energy, commitment and success in completing the tasks that were set for him.”

Cardiff (13/5 Promotion) face a trip to Derby on Sunday (Rams 6/4, draw 23/10, Bluebirds 7/4).

The final play-off place tomorrow is Blackpool’s to lose ahead of the Tangerines’ home clash against Bristol City, with seventh-placed Swansea needing to win against Doncaster at the Liberty Stadium given their vastly inferior goal difference. The Swans then need a favour off the Robins.

There is also guaranteed drama at Hillsborough when Crystal Palace head up the M1 in search of the point that will preserve their Championship status and send Sheffield Wednesday down.

The Eagles (5/4 Relegation) lost 10 points after entering administration but will stay up if they avoid defeat against the Owls (4/7) who occupy the final relegation place with just 90 minutes of their season left to play.

Palace boss Paul Hart, who kept Portsmouth in the Premier League last season, admits he will send his side out to win the game.

“I don’t think it would be wise to pop up to Hillsborough and park outside their 18-yard box for 90 minutes,” he said.

“We have to think we can win the game and we have to go up there with that attitude.”

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