Portsmouth vs Bolton Prediction: Top two meet in League One

League One leaders Portsmouth host closest challengers Bolton Wanderers at Fratton Park on Monday night, Dec 11th (20:00) in a key game in the battle for promotion.

We preview this clash by picking out a couple of the best markets on offer to punters.

Match Odds

Portsmouth are priced at 6/5 to claim all three points as they bid to return to winning ways in front of their own fans after a draw and a defeat in their last two home assignments.

Bolton have 10 wins in their last 11 across all competitions and they are 2/1 to come away with the spoils, while a draw is on offer at 11/5.

Both teams to score in this one is valued at 8/11 and over 2.5 goals pays out at 10/11.

Team News

Portsmouth have no fresh injury concerns but they remain without top scorer Colby Bishop, who faces a few weeks on the sidelines after sustaining an ankle injury in the win at Burton.

Bolton boss Ian Evatt could opt to stick with the same starting side that drew 0-0 at Oxford in their last league fixture, with Dan Nlundulu and George Johnston the only confirmed absentees for the visitors.

Bolton to win - 2/1

Bolton sit second in the standings going into this round of fixtures but they would replace Pompey at the summit on goal difference with a win, and they have a game in hand.

Wanderers have really clicked into gear in recent weeks and have won 10 of their last 11 games across all competitions after a shock 3-1 defeat to Carlisle at home. Bolton’s recent success has been built on a rock-solid defence and they haven’t conceded a single goal in their last five league games.

With top scorer Colby Bishop sidelined for Pompey, another clean sheet could be on the cards for the in-form visitors and one goal may be enough to claim a win for Bolton.

Pompey are flying themselves but have looked a little vulnerable at home and have just one point to show from their last two games. John Mousinho’s side were humbled 4-0 by Blackpool in their last home game and were two goals down before being reduced to 10-men after Joe Morrell picked up two yellow cards in the space of five second-half minutes.

Bolton have won five of their eight away games, losing just once, and can make a huge statement on Monday by grinding out a win and replacing Pompey at the top of the pile.

Dion Charles to score anytime - 15/8

Dion Charles is Bolton’s leading scorer this term with 11 goals in 17 League One outings and he looks a strong contender for an anytime effort.

The Northern Ireland international has four goals and two assists in his last five games for club and country and was on target in the EFL Trophy win over Port Vale earlier this week.

Charles scored in the corresponding fixture last season as he opened the scoring for Bolton before they slipped to a 3-1 defeat, and this year he can help fire his side to a victory in this key game in the battle for the League One title.

Football betting tips, from Betfred Insights.