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Bolton vs Stockport Predictions & Betting Tips - Tight Clash Expected in the League One Play-Off Final

eddy-tora
Eddy Tora
Editor
Last updated: Fri 22 May 2026 10:53
Bolton and Stockport face off in the League One Play-Off Final at Wembley after both teams showcased strong defensive displays in their semi-final wins. Historical meetings have often been tight, with draws and under 2.5 goals common, a trend expected to continue—especially given their defensive form. Key players are missing for both squads due to injury, making a cautious, low-scoring match likely. The key recommendation is to back under 2.5 goals, with a potential draw result, with recent finals also following this low-scoring pattern.
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Eddy Tora 22 May 2026
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  • Bolton and Stockport won both semi-final legs with clean sheets
  • I am expecting a cagey clash at Wembley Stadium
  • Under 2.5 goals is my best bet in the League One play-off final
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Stockport Dave Challinor
Dave Challinor has been the Stockport manager since November 2021 (Getty)

Bolton and Stockport were dominant in the semi-finals, their defences well on top. I don’t see many goals being scored in the final at Wembley, under 2.5 goals my best bet.

HTH - Nothing In It


Stockport have a narrow 12-11 lead against Bolton 35-23 alongside nine draws.

Bolton Form


Bolton limped into the play-offs, winning just one of their final five regular season games. It was a dominant 5-1 victory against Stevenage who were reduced to 10 men before half-time.

The Wanderers registered a 1-0 win against Bradford in the play-off first leg. They had 65% possession and 12-3 shots, Amario Cozier-Duberry scoring the winner and hitting the woodwork.

Dave Challinor’s side shut Bradford down again on the road, Xavier Simons coming off the bench to score a late winner in another 1-0 win. They limited the hosts to 0.43 xG, centre-back Chris Forino man of the match.

Stockport Form


Stockport finished the regular season with a 3-1 win at Barnsley. Adama Sidibeh opened the scoring, the striker with his ninth goal since joining the club in January.

Steven Schumacher’s side met Stevenage in the play-offs, Ben Osborn scoring in the 93rd minute to secure a 1-0 road win. It was a game of very few chances, Stockport ending with 0.51-0.27 xG.

The Hatters returned to Edgeley Park where goals to Louie Barry and Kyle Wootton established an early 2-0 lead. They held on and closed it out and go one step further than last season.

Predicted Lineups & Team News


Bolton (4-2-3-1) Jack Bonham; Jordi Osei-Tutu, Eoin Toal, Chris Forino, George Johnston; Ethan Erhahon, Josh Sheehan; Amario Cozier-Duberry, Rúben Rodrigues, Ibrahim Cissoko; Mason Burstow

Johnny Kenny and Corey Blackett-Taylor are injured. Eoin Toal went off before half-time in Bradford and could be replaced by Max Conway.

Stockport (4-3-3) Corey Addai; Josh Dacres-Cogley, Ethan Pye, Kyle Wootton, Tayo Edun; Ben Osborn, Oliver Norwood, Odin Bailey; Josh Stokes, Adama Sidibeh, Louie Barry

Arttu Hoskonen, Callum Connolly, Joseph Olowu, Brad Hills and Tyler Onyango are all out.

Verdict

Bolton and Stockport kept it tight in the semi-finals, that defensive strength set to continue at Wembley. The previous four League One play-off finals have gone under 2.5 goals which is my best bet.

Best Bet1: Under 2.5 Goals Total Goals @17/20 at Hollywood bets - 4 Units
Best Bet2: Draw Full Time Result @12/5 at bet365 - 2 Units
Best Bet3: 1-1 Draw Correct Score @6/1 at Star Sports - 1 Unit
Under 2.5 Goals
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