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Bolton vs Bradford Betting Tips & Live Stream - Value on Goals in League One

alex-waite
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Last updated: Fri 08 May 2026 07:17
Bolton take on Bradford in the first leg of the League One play-off semi-final, with both clubs ending the season as high scorers but defensively vulnerable. Bolton saw over 3.5 goals in each of their last four home games, while Bradford regularly featured in matches where both teams scored. With head-to-head history also indicating tight contests, fans can expect a high-scoring and hard-fought play-off. Key recommendation: Expect goals, with strong value in 'Over 2.5 Goals' and 'BTTS Yes' bets.
Alex Waite 08 May 2026
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  • Bolton have seen 21 goals in 4 home games
  • Bradford haven’t kept a clean sheet in 6 matches
  • League One goals are expected in this play-off clash
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Bolton
Steven Schumacher's Bolton have seen over 3.5 goals in their last 4 home games (Getty)

Bolton vs Bradford Preview


Bolton were very high-scoring late in the League One season and Bradford are BTTS regulars. There's value on goals in this play-off semi-final first leg. 

Key Stats - Goals Standout


  • Bolton have seen over 3.5 goals in their last 4 home games.
  • Bolton have seen BTTS in their last 4 matches. 
  • Bradford have seen over 2.5 goals in 4 consecutive away games.

2025/26 League OneBoltonBradford
Current Position5th4th
Wins1922
Draws1811
Losses913
Goals Scored (pg)70 (1.52)58 (1.26)
Goals Conceded (pg)52 (1.13)51 (1.11)

H2H


Bolton have a 19-15 advantage against Bradford, alongside 20 draws. 

Bolton High Scoring at Home


Bolton were one of the highest-scoring home teams late in the 2025/26 League One season. Steven Schumacher’s side saw 41 total goals in their final 10 home fixtures, keeping just one clean sheet.

The Trotters won once in their final six games, thrashing Stevenage 5-1 at the Toughsheet Community Stadium. Back-to-back draws against Huddersfield at home 3-3 and Bradford away 1-1 followed. 

The Greater Manchester side ended their campaign with a 3-2 loss at home against Luton. Bolton allowed 3.88 XG and goals from Jordi Osei-Tutu and Ibrahim Cissoko couldn’t prevent the defeat.

Bradford Are BTTS Regulars


Bradford finished fourth in the League One table and were winless in seven of their last 10 games. The Bantams also saw BTTS in seven of those matches.

Graham Alexander’s team were winless in four, starting with a 1-0 home loss to Stevenage. The Yorkshire side then drew three in a row against Barnsley 2-2, Plymouth 1-1 and Bolton 1-1.

Bradford finished the season with a 2-1 win away at Exeter. Kayden Jackson and Antoni Sarcevic scored in each half and the Bantams had 1.49 XG. 

Predicted Starting Lineups & Team News


Bolton (4-2-3-1): Jack Bonham; Jordi Osei-Tutu, Eoin Toal, Chris Forino-Joseph, George Johnston; Josh Sheehan, Ruben Rodrigues; Amario Cozier-Duberry, Johnny Kenny, Thierry Gale; Mason Burstow

Midfielder Ethan Erhahon and forward Sam Dalby are injured odubts. Attackers Corey Blackett-Taylor and Marcus Forss are ruled out due to injury. 

George Johnston is expected to return after missing the Luton game. Steven Schumacher explained that the defender would be fit to face Bradford and said, “He has had more appearances than anyone else in the squad, so he sat out of this one to recover, but he'll be fine for Monday.”

Bradford (4-2-3-1): Samuel Walker; Joe Wright, Aden Baldwin, Curtis Tilt; Josh Neufville, Jenson Metcalfe, Max Power, Ibou Touray; George Lapslie, Stephen Humphrys; Kayden Jackson

Forward duo Tyreik Wright and Bobby Pointon are injured and unlikely to feature here. 

Verdict

Bolton and Bradford see plenty of goals at both ends in League One. These leaky sides struggled to defend late in the season and a high-scoring play-off encounter is anticipated.

Best Bet1: BTTS Yes BTTS @5/6 at Hollywood bets - 2 Units
Best Bet2: Over 2.5 Goals Total Goals @20/21 at bet365 - 2 Units
Best Bet3: Over 3.5 Goals Total Goals @12/5 at Star Sports - 1 Unit
BTTS Yes
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09 May 2026

Bolton v Bradford