Season Predictions - Mark

Coyle\'s new signing, whoever that is, will be the star of the season

Top Scorer: Whichever striker Owen Coyle signs
I can’t see any of our current attacking options (Kevin Davies, Ivan Klasnic, or Robbie Blake) making a serious splash in the goals scored column. Coyle has said that he won’t give up his bid to sign a new attacking player and we know that our manager has the ability to turn whatever misfiring young striker (cough Sturridge cough) he gets on the cheap into a goal scoring machine.

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Most Assists: Kevin Davies
This seemed the most obvious obvious choice out of the categories that Matilda and I chose for the season predictions. Assuming that Coyle gets the quick striker he’s looking for (hopefully in David N’Gog), SKD seems a shoo-in for most assists with his ability to flick the ball on into the box. Who knows though, Petrov might actually show up this season and provide a few outswingers that’ll get headed in.

Best Newcomer: Darren Pratley
I watched Prat as much as I could this preseason and was really quite impressed by his abilities in the midfield. He’s pacy, creative, and tries to get the ball as far forward as he can on the ground. I see him banging a few goals home and getting a few assists while he’s at it. His appearances during the friendlies have suggested that he’ll be a starter from the off which will be interesting to see in what now looks to be a strong midfield with options like Mavies (Sparky still feels weird to me) and Nigel Reo-Coker.

Position at New Years: 12th
The start to our season looks rough to say the least. Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea all in the first seven matches with three of those on the road. Assuming the Trotters don’t provide any shock results, the confidence going forward could well be an issue. It does look a bit easier towards New Years and you would expect the Men in White to make up some lost ground.

Position at end of Season: 7th
I’m going to go out on a limb here and predict a strong finish for Bolton. The home stretch, at least on paper, doesn’t look overly tough. Matches against Blackburn at home, Wolves away, Fulham home, Newcastle away, Spurs and Swansea home, Sunderland away, West Brom home, and Stoke away don’t look difficult. The majority of those 30 available points could well be ours.