Bolton vs Bradford City Prediction & Betting Tips (22 November)

Bolton Wanderers head into their League One clash with Bradford City on November 22, 2025, riding a wave of confidence after a string of strong performances. Over the past two months, Bolton have consolidated their place in the top four of the table, showing consistency both at home and away. Their recent victories include a hard-fought 2-1 win over Wigan Athletic and a convincing 3-0 triumph against Shrewsbury Town, results that underline their attacking prowess and defensive stability. News around the club has also been positive, with manager Ian Evatt praising the squad’s resilience and depth, particularly highlighting the contributions of younger players stepping up in crucial fixtures. Bolton’s home form has been especially impressive, winning eight of their last ten matches at the University of Bolton Stadium, which sets the stage for a compelling encounter against Bradford.

Bradford City, meanwhile, have endured a more turbulent run in recent weeks, though they remain firmly in the promotion race. Their last two months have been marked by mixed results, including a narrow 1-0 defeat to Barnsley and a 2-2 draw against Portsmouth, where defensive lapses cost them valuable points. However, they bounced back with a 3-2 victory over Fleetwood Town, showcasing their attacking flair and ability to grind out results under pressure. Off the pitch, Bradford have faced scrutiny over squad rotation and injury concerns, with manager Graham Alexander emphasizing the need for balance as the season intensifies. Despite these challenges, Bradford’s away record has been respectable, with four wins in their last ten outings, though their tendency to concede late goals remains a concern heading into this fixture.

The historical rivalry between Bolton and Bradford adds another layer of intrigue to this matchup. Past meetings have often been tight affairs, with draws and narrow wins dominating the head-to-head record. Bolton’s 1-0 victory over Bradford in October 2020 and Bradford’s 2-2 draw in February 2017 are reminders of how evenly matched these sides can be. Yet, current form suggests Bolton hold the upper hand, particularly given their ability to dominate possession and create chances from wide areas. Bradford’s strength lies in their counterattacking play, but their defensive frailties have been exposed repeatedly this season. With both teams positioned in the upper half of the table, the stakes are high, and the outcome could significantly influence the promotion race as the season approaches its midpoint.

Looking ahead to Saturday’s clash, Bolton’s momentum and home advantage make them favorites, while Bradford’s inconsistency could prove costly. The Wanderers’ attacking trio has been in fine form, regularly finding the net, and their midfield control has allowed them to dictate the tempo in recent matches. Bradford will likely pose a threat through set pieces and quick breaks, but unless they tighten their defense, they risk being overwhelmed. Taking all factors into account—the recent form, squad news, and historical context—the most realistic prediction points towards a Bolton victory. The anticipated correct scoreline is 3-1 in favor of Bolton, reflecting their superior balance between attack and defense and Bradford’s tendency to concede under sustained pressure.