Bolton Wanderers and Barnsley face each other in League One on Saturday, heading into the game on the same number of points and with an equal goal difference.

The Tykes occupy the final playoff position while Bolton are one spot further back, but both teams come into the game on the back of defeats against promoted sides last weekend.

Match preview

Ian Evatt's Wanderers have had a good start to the season at the University of Bolton Stadium, winning five of their six games there so far, giving them the third-best home record in League One.

Bolton went all the way through September without defeat and won their last game at home against Lincoln City two weeks ago, but two defeats have followed and seen them drop out of the top six.

They suffered defeat at Cheltenham Town before succumbing to a Connor Wickham strike at Forest Green Rovers last weekend, despite having the majority of the ball.

That has been a consistent theme throughout the season, averaging more than 56% possession in the division so far, but only scoring 13 goals, which has caused some concern amongst Wanderers fans.

They do have the best defensive record, though, only conceding eight times in 12 games, keeping six clean sheets along the way.

Barnsley, who are only ahead of Bolton on goals scored, will be tough visitors to overcome, having won three of their six games away from home this season, which is only bettered by Ipswich Town and Sheffield Wednesday.

That includes the win at Fleetwood Town two weeks ago, which was their third away win and away clean sheet in a row.

However, in their last game, they were beaten by managerless Exeter City, who took the lead inside the first minute through Jay Stansfield, before the on-loan striker added his second shortly after half time.

It took Michael Duff's team a little while to adjust to life back in the third tier, but they did go on a six-game unbeaten run before the Exeter defeat, and bounced back in midweek in the EFL Trophy with victory at local rivals Doncaster Rovers.

Team News

Bolton could welcome back Kyle Dempsey after the midfielder missed the weekend's defeat with a hip problem, while Amadou Bakayoko should be back in contention after being rested for the game at the New Lawn.

Evatt said in the aftermath of that game that he is not going to make any drastic changes, but Jack Iredale was brought on at half time in Gloucestershire last time out and impressed so could come in from the start.

Barnsley are without midfielder Luke Thomas for at least four months after he broke his leg and damaged his ankle ligaments in training before the Exeter defeat.

This could allow Josh Martin to come into the starting lineup after he impressed in the Doncaster game in the week.

James Norwood was replaced before half time against Exeter so he could be dropped to make way for Martin to come in, which would mean Devante Cole would lead the line.

Bolton Wanderers possible starting lineup:
Trafford; Jones, Santos, Iredale; John, Thomason, Williams, Bradley; Lee; Kachunga, Charles

Barnsley possible starting lineup:
Collins; Cundy, Andersen, Kitching; Williams, Benson, Phillips, Cadden; Aitchison, Martin; Cole

We say: Bolton Wanderers 1-1 Barnsley

Bolton are good at home, Barnsley are good on the road and both teams are resolute defensively. It should be an entertaining but even encounter, with neither team getting the edge over the other.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

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