Bolton vs Barnsley prediction 07.05.2024

• Competition: League One, Playoff Semi-Finals, 2nd Leg
• Date: Tuesday, 7th May, 2024
• Kickoff: 20:00 UK / 21:00 CEST
• Venue: Toughsheet Community Stadium (Bolton)

In the first leg of the League One Playoffs Semi-Finals, Bolton won 3:1. Now, just four days later, Bolton will host the second leg game at Toughsheet Community Stadium in Bolton and try to secure the Finals on the Wembley Stadium.

Last year, Bolton reached the Playoffs but were eliminated in the Semi-Finals by the same opponent they are facing this year. However, it seems that Bolton are better suited this year as they won the first leg fairly easily and were much better in the regular season. The Trotters finished the regular season in third place, just five points away from direct promotion. The primary reason behind their success is excellent home performances, as the Trotters were the best team in that category in League One. 

Barnsley are a team that constantly traveled between League One and Championship in recent years. Last year, they were super close to returning to the Championship, as they reached the Finals, but lost the game in the 120th minute! This year, the Tykes had a solid season but have struggled in the previous month and entered the Playoffs as the team with the worst form. Now, after losing 3:1 in the first game, they will have to go guns blazing against Bolton, which could easily backfire on them. 

Bolton vs Barnsley pick: Bolton to win

Bolton are in excellent form, having lost just against Derby County in the last 13 games. At home, Bolton are the best in the league, with 50 points in 23 rounds. So far, they have won 15 of 23 matches in League One - 65%.

On the other hand, Barnsley are in terrible form, having won just two points in the last seven matches. Away from home, they really struggled, losing four in a row while facing mostly teams much weaker than Bolton. 

In the first leg, Bolton won 3:1 on the road. Now, considering the first leg, Bolton's home pitch advantage, and a massive difference in form, we expect another win for the Trotters.