MY ACCOUNT
– Bolton are unbeaten in their last six away matches
– Barnsley have won just one of their last six games
– Recommended bet: Bolton to qualify for play-off final
There is everything to play for in the League One play-off semi-final between Barnsley and Bolton after a 1-1 draw in the first leg, and Barnsley will hope they make home advantage tell when they line up at Oakwell.
The Tykes enjoyed most of the opportunity when the teams met in their opening encounter, but they had not finished their regular season in great form, so it will be important for them to pick themselves up.
The Trotters, meanwhile, have proved a tough obstacle when on the road in recent months, so there looks to be plenty to play for, with a place at Wembley up for grabs.
Team news
Barnsley should not have any fresh injury concerns for the big game, but the situation is not as rosy at Bolton.
Wanderers boss Ian Evatt revealed this week that a couple of players emerged from the first leg with knocks and would not be available for Friday’s game, but he did not indicate who they were, so the picture is cloudy as to how the Trotters may line up.
Defender Gethin Jones is expected to remain sidelined with a hamstring problem.
The stats
Six of Bolton’s last eight League One away games have featured fewer than three goals, but they will be up against it on Friday, with Barnsley winning 16 of their 23 League One home games during the regular season.
The Tykes have conceded at least once in each of their last four games, but no team in League One has more wins with four or more goals than Barnsley’s tally of 11.
Only three teams scored more regular-season League One goals than Barnsley’s 80, but they face a Bolton side that are undefeated in their last six away matches.
Prediction
Barnsley’s home record in League One has been impressive, but while they created plenty of chances in the first leg at Bolton, their passage to Wembley may not be plain sailing.
The Tykes lost their final two Oakwell clashes of the regular season against Ipswich and Peterborough, and they were also forced to battle back from 4-1 down to draw at MK Dons, who were eventually relegated, so their form has not been strong coming into the play-offs.
Bolton enjoyed plenty of possession in the opening game without it leading to clear opportunities, but Ian Evatt’s side should be encouraged, particularly as they claimed a 3-0 victory on their last visit in January.
Eleven of the Trotters’ last 12 matches have featured fewer than three goals, which gives this one plenty of scope to go to extra-time, but Wanderers, who have not lost any of their last six games on the road, look to have been too easily dismissed, so can be backed to qualify for the final.
Back Bolton to qualify for the League One Play-off final at 31/20 with LiveScore Bet.
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