2025-26 League One Play-Off Semi-Finals: First Leg – Bolton vs Bradford

Bolton host Bradford in the first leg of their 2025-26 League One Play-Off Semi-Final.

Bolton finished fifth in the final league table standings after a 3-2 final-day loss at home to Luton, whilst Bradford leapfrogged the Trotters into fourth with a 2-1 win at Exeter which gave them the home advantage for the second leg.

 

Team News

Sam Dalby is set to return for Bolton after he missed their last two matches due to an ankle injury and muscle fatigue.

Ethan Erhahon (calf) could return but Corey Blackett-Taylor (thigh) and Marcus Forss (hamstring) remain absent.

Bradford have no fresh injury concerns to report after their win at Exeter.

Tyreik Wright (muscle) and Bobby Pointon (ankle) aren’t expected to be available.

 

When is Kick-Off?

Bolton host Bradford at Toughsheet Community Stadium on Saturday 9 May at 8pm BST, live on Sky Sports Football in the UK.

 

Stat Attack

• Bolton are meeting Bradford in the EFL Play-Offs for the first time, but are unbeaten in their last ten league meetings (W3, D7).
• Bradford are winless in their last seven league visits to Bolton (D4, L3).
• Three of Bolton’s last four home matches against Bradford in terms of league meetings ended in 0-0 draws, whilst they won the other clash by 1-0 result in October 2020.
• Bolton have won just one of their last six matches (W1, D3, L2).
• Kayden Jackson has scored in each of his last two appearances for Bradford (W1, D1).

 

Prediction

With just two wins in their last 10 matches, Bolton aren’t coming into this play-off in strong form although they only drew three blanks and suffered three losses in that run so they just need to tighten up defensively, otherwise their recent strong home record against Bradford could come undone.

Bradford though managed to snatch a late 1-1 draw at home to Bolton a fortnight ago so will know what to expect, although they have won just one of their last five yet lost once too in that period so I expect them to try and grind this match out and get the tie back to Valley Parade in the balance.

Both teams though haven’t exactly been strong defensively lately so I can see a score draw coming unless one team steps up a notch.

Prediction: Bolton 1-1 Bradford

Result: Bolton 1-0 Bradford