Football Bet of the Day: Lincoln to strengthen their promotion bid

While Saturday's footballing roster is dominated by the FA Cup fourth round, we will still be treated to action from across the EFL. In League 1, there is a huge clash at the top of the table as second-place Lincoln City host third-place Bolton Wanderers at Sincil Bank (15:00 GMT).

Six points currently separate the two teams with the hosts also boasting a game in hand on the Trotters. It is from this fixture that I have selected my Football Bet of the Day, which can be found below.

Lincoln vs Bolton Odds

Lincoln have won four league games on the spin and are 7/5 to win this crunch clash.

The two teams shared the points when they met at the Toughsheet Community Stadium back in August. The draw is on offer at 23/10.

Bolton have also prevailed in four consecutive fixtures in League 1, but three of them were at home. They are 2/1 to come away with the three points.

These two teams are both in excellent form ahead of this meeting and it is expected to be a cracking encounter - and it is a shame that it isn't going to be televised.

This is a huge opportunity for both clubs as Lincoln not only have the chance to move up into first (if Cardiff City lose to Luton Town), but they can also go nine points clear of Bolton to consolidate their position inside the automatic promotion places.

The Imps have been excellent this season and boss Michael Skubala has done a fine job at Sincil Bank. He has been in the post for over two years and there has been a steady improvement from his team.

I, like many, expected more from them last season as they went on to finish 11th but they have clearly done their homework over the summer. They have come back stronger than ever.

Lincoln boast the third-best home record in the division with 11 wins and 36 points. They have played one game less on home turf than Bolton, who are one point ahead of them as things stand.

The hosts have just one defeat here all season in the third tier, which came against Exeter City in October. The Imps have played nine matches here since and have won eight of them.

Given their excellent record at Sincil Bank, I am confident that they can secure an important three points on Saturday against Bolton. The Trotters are a strong outfit at this level but the majority of their success has come at home, while they have managed just four wins from 15 fixtures on the road.

It is hard to see that return improving against one of the best teams in the division, who also have one of the strongest home record. Both sides have four consecutive victories in League 1 heading into this, which should make for a captivating contest on Saturday afternoon, but I do believe everything is pointing towards a Lincoln triumph.

While covering the home win at 7/5 was a tempting prospect, I have gone one further with the addition of BTTS - Yes at 7/2. This is an attractive selection because both teams have found the net in five of Lincoln's previous six outings at Sincil Bank in League 1, while this was also a successful bet when the two teams met back in August.

Bolton also head here having seen BTTS - Yes strike in three of their past four league games.

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