Back Bolton to silence Rowdies

While Manchester United are pitting their wits against the best teams that US soccer has to offer on their pre-season tour, local rivals Bolton have opted for a more low-key affair on their travels across the pond.

United got their pre-season off to a flying start with a 4-1 victory against MLS giants New England Revolution, while Owen Coyle’s men start their preparation for the forthcoming Premier League campaign with a game against a team from America’s second tier.

The Trotters will fancy their chances against FC Tampa Bay and are priced as 9/10 favourites to get their first win of the 2011-12 season.

US fans hoping for a Rowdies win will find odds of 12/5 available, while the draw also offers odds of 12/5.

However, Bolton are unlikely to see everything go their own way as Tampa Bay boss Ricky Hill has a sound knowledge of the English game.

The Englishman played more than 400 times for Luton before moving stateside to see out his playing career.

Shane Hill, the midfield star and manager’s son, also knows a thing or two about the English game having tried out for Manchester United as a 16 year-old and enjoyed spells at Sheffield United and Rushden & Diamonds before making the move stateside.

However, Bolton boss Coyle will be hoping that his experienced side will be able to make light work of the opposition in order to get their match fitness up to speed.

In David Wheater and Gary Cahill, the trotters have a defensive partnership that would be the envy of any US team and with Kevin Davies, Matthew Taylor and Ivan Klasnic pulling the strings in attack, the Reebok Stadium outfit will be looking to bag a hatful of goals.

This could tempt a number of football betting fans to place a wager on the number of efforts that will find the back of the net.

More than four is seen as a 37/20 bet by bwin, while fewer than four offers odds of 37/100.