Unbeaten Barnsley play host to Bolton Wanderers in Match Day Three of the League One season.
The Tykes are in red hot form, having scored three goals in back-to-back wins to open the season.
Wanderers will be hoping last week’s competent win over Plymouth Argyle will set them up to beat Barnsley and secure the team’s first away victory of the campaign.
Three Wins for The Tykes in Last Four Games Between Barnsley and Bolton
| Total | Barnsley | Bolton | Draw | |
| Games | 18 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
| Goals | 48 | 22 | 26 |
It’s no secret that both sets of fans are quite sick of this fixture, with the two clubs meeting 11 times since the beginning of 2022.
Since Bolton’s first leg victory in the playoffs in 2024, Barnsley have beaten Wanderers three straight times but that doesn’t sugar coat just how close these two teams have run over the last three seasons.
On the last occasion that Barnsley hosted Bolton, the Tykes ran away 4-1 winners, with Fabio Jalo and Jon Russell netting twice in a fixture that would ultimately be the nail in the coffin for Wanderers playoff push last season.
Key Stats
- Barnsley have won their last three games vs. Bolton Wanderers.
- Bolton Wanderers have scored five goals in their last three games, compared to Barnsley’s eight.
- Barnsley have conceded the most penalties this season in League One.
- Bolton’s Amario Cozier-Duberry leads the league in big chances created.
- Barnsley have netted a total of 12 goals in the last five games vs. Bolton Wanderers.
Barnsley Team News
Heading into this game, Barnsley only have one big injury worry.
Defender Mael de Gevigney missed the teams midweek cup game against Fleetwood Town and was seen wearing a protective boot in the stand.
Boss Conor Hourihane stated it was just a precaution but admitted the player was ‘touch and go’ for this game.
“It’ll be touch and go (for Saturday). The boot makes it look worse than what it is. It’s ballooned up a little bit, but it’ll be close.” Hourihane told the Yorkshire Post.
Marc Roberts remains out until at least October.
Possible Lineup:
Murphy Mahoney (GK), Robson Woodcock, Jonathan Bland, Josh Earl, Nathaniel Ogbeta, Luca Connell, Vimal Yoganathan, Caylan Vickers, Adam Phillips, Davis Kiellor-Dunn, David McGoldrick
Bolton Team News
Wanderers have a few new injury concerns following a 3-3 (3-4 on penalties) loss to Sheffield Wednesday in the Carabao Cup.
On-loan Brighton winger, Amario Cozier-Duberry reported a groin strain before the game but came on to score late in the game and reported no discomfort post-match.
Jordi Osei-Tutu was substituted at HT during the game, but boss Steven Schumacher stated this was always part of the game plan.
New signing Ibrahim Cissoko could be involved in the game with Schumacher assessing the players fitness over the next two days.
“He is fit, I think he’s played three 45-minute games for Toulouse and one 60, so at what level that is, I don’t know,” the head coach explained.
“I haven’t seen the games yet. But I spoke to him over the weekend, he came over and did his medical yesterday, he did all his paperwork today and a bit of work with the fitness coaches this afternoon at the training ground.” Via Bolton News.
Elsewhere the Whites will be without Kyle Dempsey and Victor Adeboyejo, whilst Richard Taylor and Sam Dalby have returned to training, but this game will come too soon for them.
Possible Lineup:
Teddy Sharman-Lowe (GK), Jordi Osei-Tutu, Eoin Toal, George Johnston, Max Conway, Josh Sheehan, Xavi Simons, Amario Cozier-Duberry, Joel Randall, Thierry Gale, Mason Burstow
Barnsley vs. Bolton Wanderers Prediction
Despite Barnsley’s recent form against the Wanderers, it’s never easy to pick a winner in this game.
A lot has changed since the Tykes battered Bolton last season and whilst Barnsley are undoubtedly the form side in the division, the Whites get better weekly.
Barnsley bubble will have to burst at some point but not this week. Bolton keep improving and this game will be there for either side to take, yet I have this one down as scoring draw.
Prediction: Barnsley 2-2 Bolton Wanderers
