Bolton Wanderers vs Bradford City Preview & Prediction
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After being knocked out of the top four on the final day of the season, Bolton will play at home in the first leg of the play-off semi-finals, with newly promoted Bradford City their opponents.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Sky Sports / USA – Not televised
How to watch online: UK – Sky Go / USA – Paramount+
Bolton Wanderers vs Bradford City prediction
It’s been a truly outstanding return to League One for Bradford City and Graham Alexander deserves huge credit for the work he has done at the club. They weren’t expected to finish inside the top six but put together a strong squad for this level and with players like Max Power and Kayden Jackson at their disposal to name just two, this is a team more than capable of going all the way to Wembley.
In their way however, will be Bolton Wanderers, where going into the campaign promotion was the expectation rather than the hope. The play-offs have proven a failure for them in the past, losing to Oxford United in the final two years ago and last year the Trotters didn’t even reach the top six. But Steven Schumacher is an excellent boss at League One level and has kept Bolton in contention throughout the season.
However, Bolton fans won’t accept more play-off heartbreak, it’s promotion or bust for Schumacher and his stacked squad which is full of strength-in-depth following some eye-catching January additions such as Celtic loanee Johnny Kenny and Portuguese midfielder Ruben Rodrigues. Striker Sam Dalby is expected to be fit to play a part in this first-leg whether it be from the start or off the bench.
Whilst Bradford have an experienced group and won’t be phased by the occasion, going to a Bolton side who will look to take the game to them offensively is a formidable challenge. The pacy wingers possessed by Wanderers are capable of cutting open the Bantams’ full-backs at will and chances being created shouldn’t be an issue for the home side. Backing them to make use of playing in front of their fans and securing a first leg advantage is a move worth making.
Bolton Wanderers vs Bradford City tip: Bolton Wanderers to win
