Barnsley host Bolton this weekend in what is a huge game in League as the race for the play-offs heats up with just a handful of games remaining this season.
League One
Our 3 predictions for Barnsley vs Bolton Wanderers
- 1st prediction: Bolton Wanderers to win or draw
- 2nd prediction: Over 2.5 goals in the game
- 3rd prediction: Both teams to score
1st prediction for Barnsley vs Bolton Wanderers: Bolton Wanderers to win or draw – 1/4
This has been a very up and down season for both teams. Barnsley started fairly well but have tailed off in recent months, whereas Bolton started poorly but have picked up. This is reflected in this prediction, which backs Bolton to win despite being the away side. They have more riding on this game as they look to cement their place in the play-offs, with Barnsley’s chances now pretty much zero. In fact, a loss here would end their chances of a top six finish as the season nears its completion. The home team have really lost their way since the turn of the year, especially defensively, and a poor result here would see their season continue to end with a whimper. A result for a buoyant Bolton would boost their confidence ahead of a potential play-off campaign, and looks likely here.
2nd prediction for Swansea City vs Plymouth Argyle: Over 2.5 goals in the game – 61/100
This is a game that will contain goals. Defending has been at the heart of Barnsley’s woes, having been leaky at the back all season but even more so recently. They haven’t kept a clean sheet since the start of February, which has coincided with their slip down the table and away from the play-offs. luckily for the Tykes, they are still pretty good going forward which has stopped them from completely sliding and may help in this game as they have home advantage and will likely see plenty of the ball. Bolton’s attacking prowess isn’t quite to the same level but they do carry a threat and always look as though they could score the odd goal. Confidence is high at the club and they have plenty to play for which will push them on as they look to confirm a play-off berth.
3rd prediction for Barnsley vs Bolton Wanderers: Both teams to score – 53/100
This is a similar prediction to the previous one. This is going to be a game kf plenty of chances as Barnsley dominate the ball and look to seize the initiative, though they will likely also surrender the ball and concede lots of chances, such is their defensive frailties and Bolton’s quality. This makes it likely that we will see goals at both ends; Barnsley are always likely to score while Bolton will back themselves to take any chances they get, which they will need to do. Momentum is their way and they have more to play for so they will be well up for it, so both sides will have to be at their very best.
Best odds for Barnsley vs Bolton Wanderers
| Bookmaker | Barnsley | Draw | Bolton Wanderers |
| MyriadPlay | 11/5 | 5/2 | 19/20 |
| Gentleman Jim | 23/10 | 13/5 | 1/1 |
| Betarno | 227/100 | 5/2 | 97/100 |
Full preview of the game: last results and head to head
This is a huge game in League One; if Barnsley win they still have play-off hopes while a loss would see those chances mathematically over. As for Bolton, a win would put them in greater contention for the play-offs.
In terms of form going into this game, it’s poor for both teams. Bolton have won four of their last six while Barnsley haven’t won any, also recording four defeats. Both come into this off the back of a loss, Barnsley losing 6-2 at promoted Birmingham while Bolton lost to struggling Rotherham.
In terms of this fixture’s history, it’s pretty mixed. Bolton have the upper hand with 19 wins to Barnsley’s 16. The home side do have the advantage of winning the reverse fixture so will hope to complete the double here.
Confrontation
12/04/2025
League One League One
Barnsley
Bolton Wanderers
4
1
26/12/2024
League One League One
Bolton Wanderers
Barnsley
1
2
07/05/2024
League One League One
Bolton Wanderers
Barnsley
2
3
03/05/2024
League One League One
Barnsley
Bolton Wanderers
1
3
05/03/2024
League One League One
Barnsley
Bolton Wanderers
2
2
Last Results - Barnsley 
08/07/2025
Club Friendlies Club Friendlies
Buxton
Barnsley
3
1
L
05/07/2025
Club Friendlies Club Friendlies
Worksop
Barnsley
1
1
D
01/07/2025
Club Friendlies Club Friendlies
Emley
Barnsley
0
3
W
03/05/2025
League One League One
Reading
Barnsley
2
4
W
26/04/2025
League One League One
Barnsley
Shrewsbury Town
1
2
L
Last Results - Bolton
11/07/2025
Club Friendlies Club Friendlies
Bolton
Orlando Pirates
2
0
W
03/05/2025
League One League One
Bolton Wanderers
Stevenage
1
1
D
26/04/2025
League One League One
Peterborough United
Bolton Wanderers
1
1
D
21/04/2025
League One League One
Lincoln City
Bolton Wanderers
4
2
L
18/04/2025
League One League One
Bolton Wanderers
Wycombe Wanderers
0
2
L
Where to watch Barnsley vs Bolton Wanderers
This is a huge game in League One which will have a huge impact on two sides going for the play-offs. That being said, due to the 3pm blackout it won’t be televised. Here’s where you can watch it.
- Location: Oakwell, Barnsley, UK, S71 1ET
- Date and time: 3pm UK time, Saturday 12th April 2025
Probable lineups for Barnsley vs Bolton Wanderers
This is an interesting game in terms of team selection. Bolton have everything still to play for, while Barnsley’s season is pretty much over. Here’s how we think they’ll line up.
Barnsley
Line up: K Flavell, M de Gevigney, C McCarthy, C Barratt, J Bland, K Nwakali, J Russell, C O’Keeffe, F Jalo, D Keillor-Dunn, S Humphrys
Injuries/suspensions: J Earl, M Roberts, D Lembisika (all injured)
Interim Coach: Conor Hourihane
Bolton Wanderers
Line up: N Baxter, W Forrester, C Forino, G Johnston, J Dacres-Cogley, A Morley, J Sheehan, J Osei-Tutu, C Mendes, A Collins, J McAtee
Injuries/suspensions: None
Coach: Steven Schumacher
Media centre – news about Barnsley vs Bolton Wanderers
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