Soccer/Football

Bradford vs Bolton betting tips and predictions: Bantams to stride to victory at Valley Parade?

May 14, 2026 - 09:00

Bradford host Bolton at Valley Parade on Thursday night in the second-leg of their League 1 playoff semi-final.

Bolton take a 1-0 advantage into this second-leg, but will home advantage prove crucial for The Bantams?

Bradford vs Bolton best bets

Both teams to score – 8/13 with Sky Bet
Both teams to be carded 2+ times – 5/6 with bet365
Kayden Jackson to score anytime – 5/2 with Sky Bet

Bradford vs Bolton head to head overview

Date: Thursday 14th May 2026
Kick-off: 8pm
Venue: Valley Parade, Bradford, UK
How to watch: Sky Sports Football, Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Ultra HDR
Referee: Thomas Kirk
Last meeting: Bolton 1-0 Bradford (May 2026, Championship)
Last 10 matches: Bolton – 1 wins; Bradford – 3 wins; Draws – 6
Favourite to win: Bradford – 6/4

Bradford vs Bolton predicted lineups

Bradford (3-4-2-1): Walker, Baldwin, Wright, Tilt, Neufville, Metcalfe, Power, Touray, Lapslie, Sarcevic, Jackson.

Bolton (4-2-3-1): Bonham, Osei Tutu, Toal, Johnston, Forino Joseph, Sheehan, Erhahon, Cozier Duberry, Rodrigues, Cissoko, Burstow

Bradford vs Bolton prediction

The Trotters’ narrow 1-0 victory leaves the tie on a knife edge with a trip to Wembley Stadium for the League 1 playoff final on the line.

Amario Cozier-Duberry scored the Trotters’ winning goal and was agonisingly close to doubling his sides’ lead when his shot bounced off one post and across the goal line.

The first leg win was a strong performance from Steven Schumacher’s men, but now they must go to a sold out Valley Parade and do the same once again if the Trotters are to punch their ticket to Wembley over May Bank Holiday.

There hasn’t been many tougher places to get points than at Bradford in the league this season. Only Lincoln and Cardiff who both got automatic promotion had a better record.

Mason Burstow looks Bolton’s biggest attacking threat heading into Thursday evening.

The striker had three shots in the first leg, more than any other Bolton player, and continues to post strong underlying numbers. Across the season he has scored 12 goals, added four assists and averaged 1.85 shots per game across 46 appearances.

The first leg was only the second time Bradford had hit a blank in the league since mid-March, their charge into the playoffs was built off envious home form.

The pair only met at Valley Parade on April 25 where both clubs played out a 1-1 draw. That would be enough for Bolton to advance but will Bradford flip the script?

Bradford vs Bolton betting tips

Onion bag bulging

The goals angle is straightforward. Bolton kept clean sheets in only 17% of away matches this season and conceded in 83% of games on the road.

Bradford meanwhile failed to score in only 9% of home league fixtures, finding the net in 21 of 23 matches at Valley Parade.

As mentioned the pair played out a 1-1 drew as recently as April and with the prize at stake, both sides will believe they need to score to keep their promotion dream alive.

Action Jackson

Kayden Jackson scored two goals in two games to round out the league season. Including Bradford’s goal in the drew with Bolton.

He’s led the line very well over the past four games and will be a real threat to the Trotters back line.

Bradford may start fast in front of an expected home crowd and Jackson will be spearheading their fight back.

Bradford vs Bolton latest odds

Find the latest Bradford v Bolton betting odds here, odds courtesy of bet365 and are subject to change.

Bradford – 6/4
Draw – 23/10
Bolton – 17/10

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