Bolton Wanderers will host Barnsley at the Toughsheet Community Stadium on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, for the decisive second leg of their League One playoff semi-final.
With a 3-1 lead from the first leg at Oakwell, Bolton have one foot in the final, while Barnsley must mount a significant comeback to keep their promotion hopes alive.
Match Preview
In the first leg, Bolton exacted revenge for last season's playoff loss to Barnsley, securing a 3-1 victory.
Dion Charles netted twice to put Bolton ahead, before Sam Cosgrove reduced the deficit for Barnsley. Randell Williams, however, restored Bolton's two-goal cushion with a corner-kick goal deep into stoppage time.
Ian Evatt's team is currently on an eight-match unbeaten streak, and at home, they've avoided defeat in their last 12 games since December. Another positive result on Tuesday will send them to Wembley for a final clash against Oxford United or Peterborough United.
Barnsley, on the other hand, are in dire form, having won just two of their last 11 matches. Interim manager Martin Devaney has yet to find a winning formula since Neill Collins’ sacking. Despite their poor away form (four consecutive away defeats), Barnsley will hope their attacking prowess, with goals in each of their last 15 away league games, can inspire an unlikely turnaround.
Predicted Lineups
Bolton Wanderers
Ian Evatt will likely stick to the lineup that succeeded in the first leg. However Victor Adeboyejo could make an appearance off the bench after recovering from injury:
Goalkeeper: Baxter
Defenders: Jones, Santos, Toal
Midfielders: Dacres-Cogley, Maghoma, Sheehan, Thomason, Williams
Forwards: Charles, Collins
Barnsley
With limited options due to injuries, Barnsley’s starting XI is also expected to remain consistent.
Robbie Cundy and Josh Benson have returned to training, but a lack of match fitness may prevent them from featuring. Cosgrove, after scoring in the first leg, could start upfront alongside McAtee:
Goalkeeper: Roberts
Defenders: Williams, De Gevigney, Earl
Midfielders: O'Keeffe, Phillips, Connell, Grant, Cadden
Forwards: McAtee, Cosgrove
FAQ
When is the Bolton vs Barnsley second leg taking place? Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at 8 PM UK time.
Where is the match being played? At the Toughsheet Community Stadium, Bolton.
What was the result of the first leg? Bolton won 3-1 at Oakwell.
What is the aggregate score going into the second leg? Bolton leads 3-1 on aggregate.
Are there any notable injuries or absences? Bolton Wanderers: Carlos Mendes Gomes and Jon Dadi Bodvarsson are out due to Achilles and ankle injuries. Barnsley: Donovan Pines (thigh injury) is out for the season. Robbie Cundy and Josh Benson are returning to training but lack match fitness.
What form are the teams in currently? Bolton Wanderers: Unbeaten in their last 8 matches and a 12-game unbeaten streak at home. Barnsley: Won only 2 of their last 11 matches and lost their last 4 away games.
