Barnsley v Bolton

Barnsley vs Bolton Preview

Barnsley can count themselves lucky to have made the play-offs in League One as The Tykes could only muster a point in a 1-1 draw at home with Northampton Town on the final day of the season which also extended the Yorkshire club's winless run in the English third tier to six games, while Bolton Wanderers also claimed a point in an entertaining 3-3 draw away from home at fellow play-off participants, Peterborough United on the weekend.

A 2-0 defeat at home against already promoted Portsmouth saw Lincoln City's play-off hopes dashed and therefore resulted in Barnsley making the play-off cut but although The Tykes now need to dust themselves off and focus on this upcoming two-legged affair against Bolton Wanderers, the hosts have suffered four defeats within their last six games overall.

Recent losses at the hands of Charlton Athletic, Stevenage, Portsmouth and Blackpool had threatened to undo all of Barnsley's previous hard work which included losing just once in League One from towards the end of November through to the start of March which spanned across some 19 games, picking up 11 wins in the process.

However, it should be noted that each of these four defeats for Barnsley were incurred on their travels although the hosts have still failed to win any of their last six home games as well.

Bolton Wanderers finished the League One season in third place and five points behind second placed Derby County so The Trotters will have to take their chances in the upcoming play-offs in order to secure Championship football at the Toughsheet Community Stadium next season.

Nevertheless, Bolton Wanderers have made steady progress over the past few seasons as they have secured promotion from League Two and are now in the mix for possible promotion back to the Championship and having put together a decent looking seven-match unbeaten sequence in the English third tier, the visitors look well placed to produce a positive result here on Friday night.

Recent wins against Reading, Bristol Rovers and Port Vale along with points gained in draws with Stevenage, Portsmouth, Shrewsbury Town and Peterborough United ensured Bolton's place in the play-offs while the bigger picture shows The Trotters have slipped to just one defeat in their last 12 matches overall in the third tier.

Results away from home though have produced a fairly ordinary return for the visitors as Bolton Wanderers have managed to capture just one win in their last eight outings on the road.

Barnsley v Bolton Wanderers Verdict

Neither Barnsley or Bolton Wanderers have been particularly impressive at home or away respectively in recent times but Bolton Wanderers might just sneak a narrow 1-0 win here.

Therefore, our main bet will be Bolton Wanderers win @ 2.25

Other side bets worth considering:

Bolton win & Under 2.5 goals @ 6.00

Correct Score: Bolton Wanderers 1-0 @ 10.00