13th Jan. EFL Trophy---Bolton Wanderers VS Port Vale Prediction
EFL Trophy - Bolton Wanderers VS Port Vale
Match Time:14-01-2026 03:00 Wednesday (GMT+8)
Football Livescore | Match Prediction & Tips
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Team News
Bolton Wanderers
Bolton Wanderers host this EFL Trophy (Vertu Trophy) round-of-16 tie at the Toughsheet Community Stadium, aiming to reach the quarter-finals and bounce back from recent struggles. In League One, they sit in a play-off spot but have hit a rough patch—no wins in their last four or five matches, including a disappointing 3-1 away defeat to Peterborough United on Saturday, where manager Steven Schumacher apologized for a subpar performance. Their Trophy campaign has been strong, topping their group unbeaten (wins over Rotherham United, Manchester City U21, and Oldham Athletic) before advancing past Bradford City in the round of 32. Injuries are minimal—no new issues from the Peterborough loss—but winger Ibrahim Cissoko is a doubt with a slight calf problem picked up in training. Schumacher is expected to revert to a 4-2-3-1 for stability, likely featuring key players like goalkeeper Luke Southwood or Nathan Baxter, defenders Eoin Toal and George Johnston, midfielders Josh Sheehan and George Thomason for control, and attackers including Dion Charles, Kyle Dempsey, and Sam Dalby (who scored off the bench recently and could start). Bolton will use home advantage, where they have been solid this season (only one league loss), to press for a quick response and exploit the Trophy's importance for momentum.
Port Vale
Port Vale travel as underdogs in this knockout clash, motivated to cause an upset and progress deep in the competition. Back in League One after promotion, they have shown flashes of quality but remain inconsistent mid-table, with recent results mixed including a heavy defeat but also improved displays. Their Trophy run has been respectable, advancing through the group stage and prior rounds with grit. Under manager Darren Moore (or current setup), they focus on organization and counters. Injuries remain a concern—long-term absentees like Liam Gordon and Funso Ojo are out, with possible doubts over others from recent games (including defenders in past reports). Expect a compact lineup with a defensive mindset: goalkeeper Connor Ripley, a backline featuring defenders like Nathan Smith or similar reliable options, midfield workhorses for energy, and forwards relying on pace and physicality to hit on breaks. Vale will aim to frustrate Bolton early, stay disciplined, and capitalize on any home complacency in a cup tie where shocks can happen.
Head to Head Analysis
Bolton Wanderers hold a commanding historical edge over Port Vale. Across all competitions, the teams have met around 13-15 times in recent decades, with Bolton winning the majority—approximately 11 victories, Port Vale claiming just 1 win, and a couple of draws. Bolton are unbeaten in the last several encounters, including a 2-0 league win in their most recent meeting (from earlier seasons). In the EFL Trophy specifically, this is their third clash, with Bolton progressing in prior knockout ties (such as a round-of-32 win in 2023/24). Matches tend to favor the home side or higher-ranked team, often low-scoring or controlled by Bolton's better organization and quality. Port Vale have struggled to break down Bolton's defense historically, while Bolton exploit spaces effectively. The gulf in current form and squad depth (Bolton pushing for promotion, Vale mid-table) reinforces Bolton as strong favorites, especially at home in a competition where they have performed well this season.
Prediction
Bolton Wanderers 2-0 Port Vale (Bolton advance). A straightforward home win with a clean sheet, goals likely from set pieces or clinical finishing as Vale tire.
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