Barnsley v Bolton Wanderers

For one final this season, Oakwell hosts the Tykes in what is their most crucial game yet. Having drawn 1-1 with Bolton Wanderers in the first leg on Saturday, Michael Duff’s have to carry the belief that they can secure their Wembley place on home soil this Friday.

A sure-fire play-off final against Peterborough United awaits, following the Posh's 4-0 win against Sheffield Wednesday in their respected first-leg clash. Both teams have played Premier League football over the past three decades, and a place in the Championship next season is the next step in the long journey to recover their respected former glories.

Barnsley largely dominated the chances in the first leg despite Ian Evatt's Wanderers dominating possession, but who will capitalise with the clash all square on aggregate? The Barnsley v Bolton Wanderers bet builder tips for this match come to a tasty 4/1 choice.

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One last time at Oakwell this season

The first leg at the University of Bolton Stadium was an entertaining attacking affair with both sides showing differing ways of hurting the other. Barnsley found success with striker movement in behind and by launching the long throw of centre-back Bobby Thomas into the box. Even if Bolton were able to deal with the first ball, the presence of long-shot specialists Adam Phillips and Nicky Cadden left them unable to relax. It was from a set piece that Barnsley grabbed their goal through a powerful Cadden effort on the edge of the box.

Pulled back level soon after however, Barnsley will be keen to hold and build on a lead for much longer should they get one in this second leg at Oakwell.

Barnsley team news

The return of captain Mads Andersen was huge first-leg news for Barnsley. The Dane is an influential part of the team in the centre of the back three and should retain his place for the duration of this Oakwell leg. Liam Kitching will play to his left, Burnley loanee Bobby Thomas to his right, and Luton Town loanee Harry Isted should stay in goal behind him.

The starting midfield five should be retained; wing-backs Nicky Cadden and Jordan Williams on either side of the trio of Herbie Kane, Luca Connell and Adam Phillips. The most interesting team news could come up front. Michael Duff has four strikers to choose from in James Norwood, Devante Cole, Slobodan Tedić and Max Watters, and uses all of them across a game. His starting combinations can vary greatly though. Top scorer Devante Cole should be fancied to start, but Duff may choose a different strike partner to Tedić who started the first leg away from home.

A tense night in South Yorkshire

It was pleasing to see Bolton respond quickly to falling behind in the first leg, but that Dion Charles goal was the only shot on target they managed in 90 minutes. It was not without intent from Ian Evatt’s side, who are the best ball-playing team in these League One play-offs, and did look to have success building attacks down the right and firing low crosses into the box. Aaron Morley had one of his weaker performances in midfield. Elias Kachunga didn’t do much to prove that he deserves the starting striker position alongside top scorer Charles.

The long throw of Barnsley left Bolton busy defending at times, and the Trotters will have to be wary of the threat Nicky Cadden and Adam Phillips can provide when they latch onto the loose balls from them.

Bolton Wanderers team news

Ian Evatt has leaked news that his team will be without two players for this second leg after picking up first leg injuries but hasn’t named who the two players are.

If it is injury in defence, then expect MJ Williams to come into the back three instead of one of George Johnston, Ricardo Santos or Eoin Toal. Josh Sheehan, Aaron Morley and Kyle Dempsey could retain their place as the central trio in Bolton’s 3-4-1-2 if available, with Randell Williams at left-wing-back and Liverpool loanee Conor Bradley at right-wing-back. 

Bolton fans will desperately hope that one of the absent players isn’t top scorer Dion Charles. The 27-year-old will start in the front two if available, most likely partnered by Elias Kachunga although Dan N’Lundulu, Shola Shoretire, Victor Adeboyejo and Cameron Jerome are alternatives.

Barnsley v Bolton Wanderers Cheat Sheet

Dion Charles and Devonte Cole proved to be two of the more consistent strikers in League One during the regular campaign. A combined 31 league goals were shared between the two when playing for their respective sides, and both could be bold choices for a shot on target. Cole averages 0.84 shots on target P90 for the Tykes whilst Dion Charles is averaging comfortably over that for Wanderers in League One this season. Both are nicely priced for a shot on target and given they are the two most potent threats in front of goal on the pitch, could well be worth adding to a bet builder.

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Barnsley v Bolton Wanderers bet builder tips

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