The first of the two League One Play-Off Semi-Finals sees sixth-placed Barnsley host third-placed Bolton Wanderers in what could be a one-sided affair based off of recent form.
The Tykes would limp over the line to get into the play-offs, take d just nine points from their final 12 matches of the season. Having at one point looked like genuine automatic promotion candidates, they’d scrape into the play-offs with both Lincoln City and Blackpool losing on the final day.
That poor run of form would lead to the dismissal of manager Neill Collins prior to the final game of the season. It still seems a bizarre decision given that the club made the play-offs, but it is obviously one that the board believed would benefit them in the post-season and potentially beyond.
With a six-game winless run heading into the play-offs, they’re certainly the underdogs out of the four teams and look up against it when facing off with Bolton.
The Wanderers went unbeaten in their last six games of the season, picking up draws against the likes of Portsmouth and Peterborough which allowed them to really show their credentials as one of the top sides in the league.
Although they may have missed out on automatic promotion, they’ll fancy their chances in the play-offs, and will be looking to get all of the hard work done in the first leg before the return leg at home.
Here’s how two of The Real EFL’s writing team see the game panning out…
“Bolton will know that this is very much their tie to lose based on how the two sides finished their respective seasons. They’ll be the overwhelming favourites over the two legs and playing at home in the second leg certainly aids their cause.”
“Barnsley’s recent home record is quite frankly woeful and they’d finish the season without a win in their final six home games. Based off of that run there’s an argument for the sacking of Neill Collins but I highly doubt that’s a decision which will aid their cause.
“The play-offs always have the option for an upset but I simply cannot see one happening here. Bolton should be able to put this to bed in the first leg and they could run out as comfortable winners.”
Barnsley 0-3 Bolton Wanderers
“Barnsley go into this tie as huge underdogs and it’s easy to see why. They limped into the play-offs with just two wins from their last 12 league outings and were in big danger of slipping out of the top six. In fact, had Lincoln or Blackpool won on the final day, their season would be over.
“Meanwhile, Bolton have been almost preparing for this scenario since losing at Derby last month. They will be far too strong for the Tykes, although both previous meetings this season have ended in a draw.
“Something will have to give over these two legs, but a lot has changed in the last few weeks and the Trotters will gain a first leg advantage here.”
Barnsley 1-3 Bolton Wanderers
