Prediction Bolton Wanderers vs Bradford City 2025/2026 season – Betting Tips for League One on 22/11/2025

Match context and form guide

Bolton Wanderers host Bradford City at the University of Bolton Stadium on 22/11/2025 in what shapes up to be a clash of momentum versus resilience. Darren Drysdale will take the whistle in a Round 17 encounter that pits Bolton, sitting fourth with 26 points, against a Bradford side that occupy third with 27. On paper the two clubs are separated by fine margins in the table, but the story of the last few weeks tilts heavily toward the hosts. Bolton arrive on a blistering run — a sequence littered with impressive wins, including a 6-2 EFL Trophy romp over Oldham where Marcus Forss earned rave reviews — and have shown the kind of home form that can intimidate midtable visitors.

Bradford’s schedule tells a different tale. Recent results include defeats to Doncaster and Burton and a handful of draws; their resilience is notable, but their form line has plenty of wobble. Their EFL Trophy defeat to Doncaster saw Tyreik Wright produce Bradford’s best individual display, but as a collective the Bantams have struggled to find consistent attacking fluency away from home.

Tactical snapshot and statistics to watch

Bolton’s numbers underline their strength at the University of Bolton Stadium. Eighteen goals on home soil against just four conceded is a clear signal: they score freely and are hard to break down in front of their supporters. Their attacking averages — total shots 252 and shots on target 82 across the campaign — demonstrate a team that creates chances in volume. Bradford’s away numbers are respectable in their own right, with ten goals scored and nine conceded on the road, and an overall attacking output that suggests they can hurt opponents. Yet their recent run suggests inconsistency; four draws and two wins from the last ten indicate a team that can be stubborn but lacking punch in key moments.

From a goals perspective, Bolton’s matches have seen fewer over-2.5 outcomes at home compared with Bradford’s fixtures, where a higher proportion of matches have produced more goals. BTTS sits at around 50% for both sides, meaning both teams finding the net is a real possibility, but not a certainty.

Bookmakers and value angle

The market currently leans to Bolton at around 1.76 for a home win, with the draw available at 3.75 and an away upset priced at roughly 4.20. That pricing reflects form and home advantage — Bolton’s recent run, superior home defensive record and the confidence from that 6-2 cup win are all factors the market has priced in. Given the data, backing the hosts represents the clearest value proposition for punters seeking a single-market play.

Betting suggestion

Recommendation: Back Bolton Wanderers to win (1X2 market). Bolton’s home defensive solidity (just 4 goals conceded at home), the club’s red-hot sequence of victories and the bookies’ 1.76 price point make the home win the most logical single-market pick. For readers who want to refine their approach, pairing this pick with sound staking and bankroll rules is essential — consider reading up on Soccer betting tips and the choice of markets to choose the best market for your style, and strengthen your discipline with advice on How to have emotional control when placing bets.