Bradford City vs Bolton Wanderers Prediction 14.05.2026 | League One

Bradford City head into this high-stakes second-leg encounter knowing they will need the full backing of a packed Valley Parade as they attempt to overturn a 1-0 aggregate deficit, following a resilient yet offensively subdued display in the opening meeting away to Bolton Wanderers.

Graham Alexander’s side have transformed their West Yorkshire home into a genuine fortress throughout the 2025-26 campaign, remarkably collecting 15 victories while suffering just three defeats on home soil, with their physically aggressive and high-intensity style consistently causing problems for some of the division’s stronger opponents.

The Bantams will also draw confidence from possessing one of the league’s most dangerous set-piece units, an area they are expected to lean on heavily once again through the precise delivery of veteran midfielder Max Power, as they look to expose a Bolton backline that was rarely troubled during the first leg.

In terms of team news, forward Bobby Pointon remains the only confirmed absentee for the hosts, with the attacker still recovering from the injury he sustained in mid-April, while the remainder of the squad is expected to be available for Alexander ahead of this decisive showdown.

Bolton Wanderers head into Thursday’s second-leg clash holding a slender but precious 1-0 lead, courtesy of a moment of individual brilliance from Amario Cozier-Duberry, whose clinical strike in the first meeting has placed the Trotters in pole position to reach a first Wembley final since 2023.

Under the astute guidance of Steven Schumacher, Bolton have emerged as one of the standout creative forces in League One during the 2025-26 campaign, leading the division in attacking intent with a remarkable 772 total shots across the regular season.

Despite a historically difficult record at Valley Parade, the visitors arrive with a strong psychological edge, having avoided defeat in all four meetings with Bradford City this season, while also boasting one of the most resilient away records in the league, with 10 draws from 23 away fixtures.

In terms of team news, attacking duo Corey Blackett-Taylor (thigh) and Marcus Forss (hamstring) remain the only absentees in the travelling squad, although both have been long-term injury concerns, meaning Schumacher’s side are well accustomed to coping without them.