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

Bradford City meet Bolton in the second leg of their League One Play-Off semi-final tie. 

With an 1-0 aggregate deficit from the first leg, Bradford must win by two clear goals or more in order to advance to the play-off final on Sunday 24 May at Wembley Stadium, London.

Bolton simply must avoid defeat in order to reach Wembley, whilst a 1-0 defeat for the visitors would send the tie to extra time and potentially penalties.

 

Team News

Bradford have no fresh injury concerns to report following their first-leg defeat.

Bobby Pointon (ankle) isn’t expected to be available.

Bolton will be without Johnny Kenny for the remainder of the season after he missed the first leg due to a knee injury.

Corey Blackett-Taylor (thigh) and Marcus Forss (hamstring) remain absent.

 

When is Kick-Off?

Bradford host Bolton at Valley Parade on Thursday 14 May at 8pm BST, live on Sky Sports Main Event and Football channels in the UK.

 

Stat Attack

• Bradford lost their only previous EFL Play-Off meeting against Bolton by a 1-0 result, which came away in the first leg of this semi-final tie.
• Bolton are making their first EFL Play-Off visit to Bradford, but are unbeaten in their last five EFL visits (W1, D4).
• Each of Bradford’s last two home meetings against Bolton ended in 1-1 draws.
• Under the current EFL play-off system, Bradford are yet to play a second-leg match of an EFL Play-Off semi-final tie at home.
• Bolton are yet to win a second-leg match of an EFL Play-Off semi-final tie away from home (L4)

 

Prediction

Trailing by a single goal on aggregate after a wasteful first-leg performance in an evenly-matched contest, Bradford must come out on the front foot and bring more composed accuracy to their end product, as it’s crucial that they score first if want hope of turning the tie around.

Bolton meanwhile are in a tricky situation given their poor second-leg away record in the EFL play-offs and slender aggregate lead, as they either can come out with attacking tactics and risk leaving the door open for the hosts to score first or defend their lead knowing the pressure is on Bradford.

I honestly do foresee this being another close cagey battle but Bolton can take heart from their recent unbeaten away record at Valley Parade, as they could well nick this on aggregate if this leg plays out like the league clash did just a few weeks ago.

Prediction: Bradford 1-1 Bolton