'Expected so much more' – Bolton Wanderers vs Barnsley prediction: The72
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Bolton Wanderers and Barnsley meet in League One on Boxing Day with both sides chasing down the play-off spots.
Bolton Wanderers come into their clash with Barnsley have produced a decent response to the dismal 2-0 loss to rivals Wigan Athletic.
The performance and result against the Latics had many fearing what a clash with Wycombe Wanderers would entail, but the Trotters claimed a respectable draw against the league leaders.
Nevertheless, Ian Evatt’s side remain in an underwhelming 8th place with inconsistent form preventing them from making serious inroads in the promotion scrap.
As for Barnsley, they would have been hoping to fight for promotion too, perhaps expecting to be alongside Bolton Wanderers in that scrap.
However, their own inconsistencies leave them one place and one point behind this weekend’s opponents in the League One table having played two games more.
Last time out, Darrell Clarke’s Tykes endured a day to forget as they were battered 4-0 by Leyton Orient.
Here, a handful of our writers make their predictions for the game…
James Ray
“It’s safe to say everyone expected so much more from these two sides coming into this season, especially in the case of Bolton Wanderers.
“Nevertheless, here we are at almost the halfway point in the season and neither the Trotters or Barnsley have been able to convince anyone that they’re good value for promotion from League One.
“Neither side can find the consistency they need but the Tykes will be determined to produce a response to the big Orient defeat.
“Ultimately though, I reckon this ends level in a result that doesn’t really help either side.”
Prediction: Bolton Wanderers 1-1 Barnsley
Harry Mail
“Both of these teams will be hoping to gain promotion to the Championship.
“Bolton Wanderers lost in the play-off final last season to Oxford United and have since stuck by Evatt.
“Barnsley have had their fair share of play-off heartbreak over recent years too and will hope to avoid that this term.
“This is a tough game to call between two teams who can be inconsistent. Based on home advantage, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Trotters sneak it, but it will be a close one.”
Prediction: Bolton Wanderers 2-1 Barnsley
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