Bolton Wanderers host Middlesbrough in the Championship on Friday 23 October, with kick-off scheduled for 20:00 GMT at the Toughsheet Community Stadium.
Middlesbrough sit third in the table and are unbeaten in their last nine league matches, while Bolton are 15th after taking four points from their last two games. Both teams earned draws in their previous outings, with Bolton holding Southampton to a goalless stalemate and Middlesbrough recovering to draw 2-2 with Cardiff City.
Find out what our sports betting expert predictions are, as well as the expected lineups for today’s encounter.
Bolton x Middlesbrough Odds
Odds are subject to change.
Match Overview - Bolton vs. Middlesbrough
- Bolton are 15th in the Championship after taking four points from their last two matches, including a 3-1 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers and a 0-0 draw against Southampton.
- Middlesbrough are third and have extended their unbeaten league run to nine matches, recording five wins and four draws during that period.
- Middlesbrough have won each of their last nine competitive meetings with Bolton, with their last defeat against the Wanderers dating back to April 2013.
BoltonBOL
MiddlesbroughMIDRecent Results(Last N Matches)
Season Stats
Head-to-Head Record
- Middlesbrough have won the last nine competitive meetings against Bolton.
- Boro have scored at least twice in eight of their last nine matches with Bolton.
- Bolton have scored only three times in their last nine meetings.
Head-to-Head
BoltonBOLMiddlesbroughMID| Competition | Score | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Friendlies Clubs | MiddlesbroughMID 3-0  BoltonBOL | |
| League Cup | BoltonBOL 1-3MiddlesbroughMID | |
| Championship | BoltonBOL 0-2MiddlesbroughMID | |
| Championship | MiddlesbroughMID 2-0BoltonBOL | |
| Championship | MiddlesbroughMID 2-0BoltonBOL |
Bolton's Inconsistent Home Form a Concern
Bolton have made a respectable return to the Championship after a seven-year absence, sitting 15th with 10 points from their last five matches. Steven Schumacher’s side have lost just once in that spell, collecting four points from their recent trips to Wolverhampton Wanderers and Southampton.
The Wanderers produced an encouraging 3-1 win at Wolves before holding Southampton to a goalless draw. However, home form remains a concern: Bolton have lost three of their last four matches at the Toughsheet Community Stadium and will need to improve in front of their supporters against promotion contenders.
Lewis Brunt impressed against Southampton and is expected to retain his place alongside Eoin Toal in defence. Ruben Rodrigues and Theo Bair are pushing for starting roles, while Samuel Dalby remains an option up front. Chris Forino is expected to return from a groin injury in early November.
DateResult | ||
|---|---|---|
SouthamptonSOU 0-0 BoltonBOL | DrawD | |
WolverhamptonWOL 1-3 BoltonBOL | WinW | |
BoltonBOL 1-2 Stoke CitySTO | LossL | |
NorwichNOR 3-4 BoltonBOL | WinW | |
BoltonBOL 1-0 CardiffCAR | WinW | |
Middlesbrough's Flying Form Continues
Middlesbrough have emerged as strong promotion contenders, sitting third in the Championship after extending their unbeaten league run to nine matches. Kim Hellberg’s side have recorded five wins and four draws during that spell, and their latest result was a 2-2 draw against Cardiff City after coming from behind.
Boro have been particularly difficult to beat, although their away record is less impressive than their form at the Riverside Stadium. They have collected eight points from five league away games, with two wins, two draws and one defeat.
Will Lankshear and Tommy Conway both scored in the draw with Cardiff and are expected to feature again. David Strelec remains sidelined with a muscular injury, while Rokas Pukstas and Alfie Jones are also unavailable. Boro will hope their attacking options can extend their impressive run against Bolton.
DateResult | ||
|---|---|---|
MiddlesbroughMID 2-2CardiffCAR | DrawD | |
Stoke CitySTO 2-3MiddlesbroughMID | WinW | |
MiddlesbroughMID 1-0WolverhamptonWOL | WinW | |
BirminghamBIR 2-2 MiddlesbroughMID | DrawD | |
MiddlesbroughMID 2-2 MillwallMIL | DrawD | |
Bolton vs. Middlesbrough Prediction: Boro to Secure Another Victory
Middlesbrough arrives with impressive momentum and a dominant head-to-head record against Bolton. Given their attacking consistency, we expect them to start strong, making Over 0.5 goals in the first half an interesting prospect.
Bolton’s inconsistent home form is a major concern against a high-flying Boro side. W. Lankshear is a strong candidate to score, as the visiting striker is in prolific form with nine goals.
Considering Middlesbrough’s superior form, potent attack, and historical advantage, our main prediction is for the visitors to secure the win. They have the quality to overcome a struggling Bolton side at Toughsheet Community Stadium.
The odds mentioned were collected during the writing of this prediction and may change. Always check with the bookmaker for the latest information.
  | ||
| Best Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over/Under | Over 0.5 goals in the first half | |
| Goalscorer | W. Lankshear to score anytime | |
Where to Watch Bolton vs. Middlesbrough
For those wondering where to watch Bolton vs. Middlesbrough, the broadcast details are listed below:
- TV: Sky Sports Football
- Streaming: no broadcast scheduled
Bolton vs. Middlesbrough Predicted Lineups
Bolton lineup is expected to have Lewis Brunt and Eoin Toal in central defence after their clean sheet against Southampton. Chris Forino remains unavailable until early November, while Ruben Rodrigues and Theo Bair are pushing for starting places.
Middlesbrough lineup will be without David Strelec, Rokas Pukstas and Alfie Jones through injury. Will Lankshear and Tommy Conway are expected to feature in attack.
Bolton
Bazunu; Stephenson, Toal, Brunt, Famewo; Simons, Sheehan, Larrazabal, Rodrigues, Gale; Dalby.
BoltonMiddlesbrough
Vitek; Brittain, Malanda, Phillips, Borges; Morris, Berhalter, Cozier-Duberry, McGree, Conway; Lankshear.
MiddlesbroughMatch Details
Here are the match details:
- Match: Bolton vs. Middlesbrough
- Competition: Championship 2026/27
- Date: 23/10/2026
- Kick-off: 20:00 (GMT)
- Venue: Toughsheet Community Stadium, Bolton, England
Enjoyed our betting analysis? Share it with your friends and check out more of our predictions on the site.
For more expert tips and detailed analysis on all of the biggest games taking place today, be sure to head over and check out our dedicated Predictions page.
Please gamble responsibly! You must be 18+ to bet.
