Score predictions - Bolton away - Play offs

We are currently 2/1 with the bookies to take a lead back to Oakwell, with Bolton priced at 7/5. Our record in away ties in play off campaigns is played 4, won 3, drawn 1, lost 0, scored 11, conceded 3. Bolton's relationship with the play-offs is very mixed, being promoted twice, being beaten finalists twice, and being knocked out in the semi's twice. Bolton's home record in the play-offs is also good. They've played 6, won 4, drawn 2, lost 0, scoring 10, conceding 3.

In the league this season, Bolton have been reasonably strong at home. They finished the regular season with the 5th best home record, behind the 4 sides who finished above them in the table. They only conceded 13 goals at the University of Bolton stadium all season, with only Ipswich showing the same resilience at home. They did hit a period of inconsistency at home towards the end of the season, winning 2, drawing 1 and losing 2 of their final 5 home games. This included 2 dropped points vs strugglers Cambridge, and a defeat to since relegated, Accrington Stanley.

The 22/23 season has been the year for us to break our hoodoo away at Bolton. Adam Phillips winning strike in the FA Cup was the first Barnsley winning goal at their current stadium, and our first win in Bolton since 1994. 11 intervening trips to Bolton resulted in either a draw or a home win. We've only ever won 4 times in 23 visits to Bolton, half of those have been in cup competitions (albeit the FA Cup), and the first of which was en route to winning the Cup in 1912.

Bolton finished the season with the 2nd best defence, and they conceded more than 1 goal in a game just 9 times in the league this season, better than anyone else. Their downfall has been at the other end of the pitch. Described as a patient, ball retention side, they've often found it difficult to create clear chances in front of goal. And whilst 62 goals from 46 games isn't poor, it's 18 less than us, and 39 less than top scorers Ipswich. Dion Charles has found the net 16 times in the league this season, however aside from him, there are few Bolton players with a similar goals return. Their next top scorer is defender Conor Bradley with 5. Whilst Victor Adeboyejo has 14 league goals, 11 came whilst at Burton. That being said, Bolton do seem to have goals all over the pitch, they have 20 outfield players who have contributed with a goal in the league this season, we're 2 less on 18 (excluding Callum Styles).

I think this looks like it could be a very cagey affair. Bolton seem to play a possession based game, and build from the back. That's the sort of style which has often played into our hands (see the home wins over Wednesday and Derby), however they do appear to be quite resolute defensively. For a change, I'm predicting a draw, at least for the first leg. I'm going for a nervy 0-0, which seems the logical outcome when you consider our respective play-off records and potential to nullify each other.

 

I’m going 1-2 Reds

 

Do well to keep it to nill just hope we have something to play for when we get back to Oakwell.

 

As ever with Barnsley I genuinely haven't a clue what to predict. I do think Barnsleys form coming into this is weak and that is a concern. At the moment, realistically I think Bolton may be on for a win 1-0 or even 2-0.

 

0-2 Reds.

 

Worried about us defensively if Mads is missing. Hopefully the Barnsley from a few weeks ago turns up instead of the recent one.

 

1-0 reds, scored from a set play

 

2-0 to Bolton.

 

I think our current regular 11 will beat them (providing Anderson fit) ..looking back our selections against them look weaker. 0-1 reds

 

1-0 to them.
We'll better that at ours.
Going Wembley ain't we.

 

1-2 win

 

1-1, don’t think they’ll be much controversy in this game. However, I feel their shithousery will be in abundance at Oakwell. Hopefully being live on Sky will make the ref do his job

 

Bolton 0 Reds 3

 

Being realistic, we’re only going to win by a goal or two. & then batter them at home..

 

2-0 Trotters

 

That's my feeling. Tight affair, maybe they'll just shade it but we'll turn it round in the home leg.

 

I hope we get more than one goal.

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?st...PVHKP1nSPpeVkQFFsUGCixnFnl&id=100044408950161

 

They might normally play a possession based, patient game, but they completely changed that at Oakwell in January and went direct. Would expect similar again in this tie. No idea what the score will be, would snatch your hand off for a 0-0 now, because i can see us struggling to break them down.

 

0-0

I think both teams will struggle to score.