The stage is set for a thrilling League One playoff semi-final as Bolton Wanderers face Barnsley with a coveted spot at Wembley on the line.
The second leg promises intense action, with Bolton holding a significant lead but Barnsley hungry for a comeback.
Can Bolton continue their first-leg performance? Or will Barnsley overturn the deficit?
Match Preview
Bolton took a 2-0 lead in the first leg with two goals from Dion Charles and Randell Williams added another in stoppage time.
This win extended Bolton’s unbeaten run to eight matches, with just one loss in their last 13 League One games.
Bolton has been strong at home, losing only three of their 23 home league games this season.
Having not lost in their last 12 home league games, Ian Evatt’s team will be confident of reaching the final.
While Bolton is in good form, Barnsley hasn’t won in their last seven matches.
Since their last win, Barnsley has drawn twice and lost five times, putting more pressure on Neill Collins and his team.
To add to their woes, Barnsley has lost their last four away games, conceding 10 goals (an average of 2.5 goals per game).
However, Barnsley had lost just one of their 19 away league games between August and April.
Head-to-Head:
Barnsley has won only one of their last six meetings with Bolton across all competitions.
Looking at their overall history, Barnsley has won just two of their last 15 matches against Bolton.
Team News & Updates:
Bolton’s key player is Dion Charles, who has scored 20 goals in 42 appearances across all competitions this season.
For Barnsley, Devante Cole has scored 18 goals this season, while John McAtee, on loan from Luton Town, has bagged 15 goals and four assists.
Prediction & Analysis
Given the high stakes and the previous encounter producing more than 3.5 goals, another high-scoring match could be on the cards.
While Bolton has the advantage and form on their side, Barnsley’s need to overturn a two-goal deficit may open up the play, leading to scoring opportunities for both teams.
Predicting a draw might seem conservative, but with both teams likely to score over 1.5 goals each, a draw could very well be within the realms of possibility, with Bolton progressing on aggregate.
- Bolton Wanderers 2-2 Barnsley
