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Bolton v Barnsley

Bolton take a two-goal lead into this second leg following their 3-1 success at Oakwell on Friday. It leaves Barnsley with a big job on their hands trying to secure a second consecutive Wembley play-off final, but The Trotters certainly won’t believe the job is done just yet.

If you want to check out more of our EFL content, make sure to browse our EFL predictions and EFL accumulator tips or even our both teams to score tips.

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They do now have home advantage, where they ended the regular season unbeaten in 12 at Toughsheet Community Stadium, to try and either extend or preserve their lead. However, only automatically promoted duo Portsmouth and Derby claimed more season away points compared to Barnsley, who surely won’t go down without a fight.

Bolton v Barnsley Best Bets

➡️ Both teams to score & over 2.5 goals @ 1.91 on Paddy Power
➡️ Adam Phillips to score anytime @ 5.50 on Paddy Power

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📂 Bolton v Barnsley Cheat Sheet

There are so many ways to use our Cheat Sheets to look for player fouls won stats or any other markets, and we encourage you to find your own formula to pick a winning bet builder, however, if you’re unsure of how to use a Cheat Sheet, just click the link for some quick tips to help you make the most of it.

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⚔️ Bolton v Barnsley Head-to-Head

Earning a first-leg advantage continued Bolton’s unbeaten season record versus their South Yorkshire opponent. It would also be their first victory after the two 2023/24 regular league meetings both ended as a draw.

One common trend across all three battles was that the half-time score was 1-0; twice for Barnsley and once for Bolton. Interim boss Martin Devaney would gladly accept a third 1-0 lead after 45 minutes to give them hope of overturning their deficit in the tie.

Those three meetings would see five or more yellow cards dished out every time, proving these head-to-head renewals are often spicy affairs.

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📊 Bolton Form and Stats

Despite scoring three goals, Bolton would record an xG of only 1.46 when winning a few days ago, which is below their season xG average in all competitions of 1.72.

One major positive is simply taking their chances as they have netted two or more goals in six of their previous seven fixtures, meaning they averaged 2.57 within that period. Should they maintain that theme on Tuesday night, Barnsley would need at least four goals to stay in the tie.

Over the entire campaign in all competitions, Ian Evatt’s side just tend to attract goals. They’ve averaged 1.93 goals scored, whilst their opposite averages 1.04, which combined in only just below 3.00. Knowing the game state in that Barnsley need at least two goals, it should open up the prospect of another contest where both teams get their opportunities. Both Teams to Score and Over 2.5 Goals on Paddy Power is priced at 1.83.

Evatt will also be pleased with how his team have performed in particular matches this season; facing the better quality opponents in League One. The Whites suffered only three losses all season versus the top ten; all away from home.

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📊 Barnsley Form and Stats

For Barnsley to at least force extra-time, they will need to beat Bolton by two goals or more over 90 minutes. Over the regular league season, this is something they managed on nine occasions. Just one of those came versus a top-ten club; which was Wycombe, who finished tenth.

One positive they can take from season encounters against the top-four is they recorded two goals or more in 62.50% of them; albeit winning only once. Devaney’s men began the first leg sluggishly and would go on to have more shots, corners, and, ultimately, goals in the second half. The introduction of towering striker Sam Cosgrove as a substitute was a big reason for that. The 27-year-old scored then and can be backed at 2.88 on Betfair to do so here.

However, one player who was adamant about scoring at Oakwell was midfielder Adam Phillips. The former Burnley man fired six shots; more than anyone else. Barnsley as a collective managed nine. It was only the second time all season in all competitions he had more than five shots in any game. Phillips has 11 league goals and is handily priced at 5.50 on Paddy Power for him to oblige in this key match.

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💰 Bolton v Barnsley Best Bets 

Barnsley have to give this a go here and that greatly increases the chances of an open clash. Only four League One clubs had fewer clean sheets than them, plus Bolton are the type to take advantage of any such space, plus have conceded in five of their previous seven themselves. Backing both teams to score and over 2.5 goals at 1.91 on Paddy Power seems the smart play.

Adam Phillips has double-digit goals from midfield and did everything but score in the last game. If his team are to mount a serious challenge of turning this tie around then he is likely to be a major reason why. He’s currently 5.50 to score anytime on Paddy Power, which seems tremendous value given his performance at Oakwell.

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* I recommend waiting for confirmed team line-ups before placing any bets.

* All odds displayed correct at the time of publishing.

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