Bolton vs Middlesbrough prediction 23.10.2026 | Championship

After almost a decade in the third and fourth tiers, Bolton returned to the Championship, and their primary goal is to avoid relegation. Steven Schumacher's team is playing well so far. They have collected 14 points in the first 11 league rounds and are six points above the drop zone. Bolton's form has been excellent in recent weeks, with only one loss in their last five matches. In the most recent outing, Schumacher's team played 0-0 on the road against Southampton. The hosts created more chances, but Bolton also had some good opportunities, and it wouldn't be entirely undeserved if the visitors took all three points.

Bolton's head coach, Steven Schumacher, was very satisfied with the point against Southampton. He commented, "It was a good game, and we knew it was going to be difficult. We had to really concentrate and stick to the game plan because of how difficult it's been for every team that's come here this season. We knew that they were going to cause problems, but we also told the players that we couldn't sit back and let them put pressure on our goal."

Bolton could have all their players available. Chris Forino-Joseph missed the previous five league rounds with a groin problem, but reports suggest he could recover in time for Friday.

For the last few years, Middlesbrough have been candidates for promotion to the Premier League. Last season, they played in the playoffs, but lost to Hull. Middlesbrough have been excellent so far in the 2026/27 campaign and are only one point behind the league leader, Swansea. In recent weeks, Kim Hellberg's team has had some unexpected draws, but they are still on a six-game run without defeat. In the previous match, Middlesbrough played 2-2 at home against Cardiff. The hosts had much better goal-scoring chances, but their inefficiency cost them points.

Middlesbrough's head coach, Kim Hellberg, was disappointed with one point in the previous round. He stated, "We had to defend goals better - that's a main thing that makes me disappointed. It was individual errors from some players in terms of things they always do so well. I understand why, because it's been three tough games in a short amount of time."

Middlesbrough have some problems with missing players. They will be without David Strelec, Alfie Jones and Rokas Pukstas on Friday in Bolton.