Bolton Wanderers will look to finish the job as they welcome Barnsley to the Toughsheet Community Stadium on Tuesday, May 7, for the second leg of their League One playoff semi-final.
Bolton carry a significant 3-1 lead into the home fixture after a commanding performance at Oakwell in the first leg.
Match Preview
Bolton Running Rampant
Bolton are on the verge of securing a place in the final after establishing a crucial two-goal advantage in the first leg.
Dion Charles netted twice, and Randell Williams added a sensational goal directly from a corner to extend Bolton’s unbeaten streak to eight matches.
The Trotters are in formidable form at home, having gone 12 games unbeaten at the Toughsheet Community Stadium since December.
If they can maintain this run, they will book their place at Wembley to face either Oxford United or Peterborough United, with the prospect of returning to the Championship for the first time in five years.
Barnsley's Challenge
Barnsley face an uphill task after losing the first leg at Oakwell. Interim boss Martin Devaney is tasked with turning around their fortunes after a poor run under former manager Neill Collins, who was sacked earlier this month.
The Tykes are without a win in their last five games and will need to overcome Bolton’s unbeaten home record to have any chance of reaching the final.
Barnsley will have to be more adventurous in their attack, but their recent defensive frailties — conceding 10 goals in four away losses — could hinder their chances.
They will, however, be encouraged by their scoring record, having netted in each of their last 15 away league games.
Team News
Bolton Wanderers
The hosts have no fresh injury concerns, although Carlos Mendes Gomes and Jon Dadi Bodvarsson remain sidelined with Achilles and ankle injuries, respectively.
Manager Ian Evatt is likely to stick with the same lineup that won convincingly in the first leg, with Victor Adeboyejo providing a useful attacking option off the bench.
Barnsley
Barnsley will be without defender Donovan Pines due to a thigh injury.
Robbie Cundy and Josh Benson have returned to training but are unlikely to feature due to lack of match fitness.
Conor Grant and Sam Cosgrove could be in line for starts after combining for Barnsley's lone goal in the first leg.
Prediction
Barnsley will need to take risks to overturn their deficit, which could play into Bolton's hands.
Bolton's solid home form, coupled with their two-goal cushion, should be enough to see them through. Expect Bolton to progress to the final with another victory.
Barnsley 
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