Bolton v Barnsley

Bolton vs Barnsley Preview

It's advantage Bolton Wanderers heading into this decisive 2nd leg of their Play-Off semi-final clash against Barnsley as The Trotters registered what could prove to be a winning 3-1 result away at Oakwell in last week's 1st leg, while Barnsley now have no other option than to go down swinging at the Toughsheet Community Stadium on Tuesday night as The Tykes look to overhaul the existing two-goal deficit here.

That comprehensive win at Oakwell has also extended Bolton Wanderers' unbeaten run of results to eight games which consists of four wins and four draws; victories collected against Reading, Bristol Rovers, Port Vale and Barnsley respectively should give Ian Evatt's side plenty of encouragement heading into this return leg on home soil on Tuesday night.

The bigger picture shows Bolton Wanderers have suffered just three defeats out of their last 20 games overall in the English third tier and it is worth mentioning that each of these three losses were incurred on their travels with defeats at the hands of Blackpool, Wigan Athletic and Derby County, whilst also collecting eight wins in the process.

Results on home soil have been even more impressive as Bolton Wanderers have lost just twice in their last 20 matches at the Toughsheet Community Stadium, picking up 14 wins along the way.

Barnsley have one more chance to produce a winning display in League One on Tuesday night but the Yorkshire visitors will have to do it the hard way if they are to progress through to this season's Play-Off final as they find themselves attempting to chase down a 3-1 deficit.

Barnsley only just sneaked into the play-off spots at the end of the regular season in League One which was largely thanks to Lincoln City losing 2-0 at home to automatically promoted Portsmouth on the final day of the season, rather than the exploits of Barnsley themselves.

Indeed, The Tykes have now failed to win any of their last seven matches overall in the third tier and having been handed no fewer than five defeats in the process along with claiming just two draws, Barnsley look to have their work cut out if they're to even draw level with Bolton Wanderers, let alone beating them here in this 2nd leg.

To make matters worse, Barnsley have lost their last four away games on the trot, losing at Charlton Athletic, Stevenage, Portsmouth and Blackpool respectively.

Bolton Wanderers v Barnsley Verdict

Bolton Wanderers showed their potential promotion pedigree in last week's 3-1 win in the 1st leg and The Trotters should also prevail on home soil in this return leg on Tuesday night as well.

Therefore, our main bet will be Bolton Wanderers win @ 1.65

Other side bets worth considering:

Bolton Wanderers win & Over 2.5 goals @ 2.37

Correct Score: Bolton Wanderers 2-1 @ 8.50