Bolton Wanderers vs Barnsley betting tips: League One play-off semi-final first leg preview, predictions, team news and odds

By Ben Gray

Updated: July 05, 2023 at 1:17 am GMT+1

Bolton Wanderers vs Barnsley odds and betting statistics

Bolton Wanderers vs Barnsley recommended bets

Tip of the day

Bolton Wanderers vs Barnsley

Bolton to win 2-1 against Barnsley- 17/2!

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At 17/2, a £10 bet would return £95!

Bolton Wanderers vs Barnsley

May 13, 2023

3:00 pm GMT+1

Bolton Wanderers vs Barnsley match preview

Will there be a winner in this first leg at the University of Bolton Stadium?

Bolton Wanderers spent 11 successive seasons in the Premier League, between 2001 and 2012, finishing as high as sixth, reaching a League Cup Final and featuring in the UEFA Cup knockout stages twice.

However, in more recent times, the Trotters have been down in the fourth-tier and were on the verge of bankruptcy, before gaining promotion from League Two in 2021.

This season, Ian Evatt’s team finished fifth in League One, securing that spot by beating Bristol Rovers 3-2 last Sunday; Shola Shoretire, Dan Nlundulu and Aaron Morley all scoring.

So now, Bolton are dreaming of a return to the Championship, but will have to upset the odds in this two-legged tie to keep that hope alive.

Barnsley meanwhile ended up one place and five points above their hosts, despite winning just one of their last five league fixtures.

The Tykes were relegated from the Championship last season, following three seasons in the second division, with their last two campaigns at League One level both resulting in promotion.

Michael Duff’s men will certainly hope that trend continues.

These two clubs drew 0-0 back in October, before Bolton enjoyed an emphatic 3-0 victory at Oakwell in January, with Mads Juel Andersen’s 11th minute red card not helping Barnsley’s cause that day.

Who will prevail in this first leg?