Bolton Wanderers
Bolton Wanderers
VS
Rotherham United
Rotherham United
England
England
League One
Friday
15:00
Starting in
-- : -- : -- : --
MATCH ABOUT TO START
Toughsheet Community Stadium
Bolton
football in stadium
© Midjourney

Bolton Wanderers - Rotherham United ai prediction 26.12.2025 League One

Preview for Match Bolton Wanderers vs Rotherham United

On December 26, 2025, Bolton Wanderers will host Rotherham United in a pivotal League One encounter at the Toughsheet Community Stadium. This match, part of Matchday 22, holds significant implications for both teams. Bolton Wanderers currently find themselves in a strong position, sitting sixth in the league standings with 34 points, having accumulated nine wins, seven draws, and four losses. Their impressive home record, boasting seven wins and three draws without a single defeat, will undoubtedly serve as a source of confidence heading into this match.

In contrast, Rotherham United is struggling, positioned 18th in the league with 24 points. Their record of six wins, six draws, and nine losses reflects their difficulties this season. The away form of Rotherham is particularly concerning, as they have only managed two wins, two draws, and six losses away from home. With both teams having recently experienced defeats—Bolton losing to Wycombe Wanderers and Rotherham succumbing to Huddersfield Town—the stakes are high as they seek to regain momentum.

The last direct meeting between these teams ended in a narrow 1-0 victory for Bolton Wanderers, an outcome that may influence the confidence of the home side. Historically, the head-to-head record over the last five meetings shows Bolton with one win, while Rotherham has dominated with four victories, indicating a competitive rivalry.

As the teams prepare to clash, the tactical approaches of both managers, Steven Schumacher for Bolton and Matt Hamshaw for Rotherham, will be crucial. Bolton’s recent form has seen them secure three wins in their last five matches, showcasing their potential to capitalize on home advantage. Meanwhile, Rotherham's recent performance, with only one win in their last five matches, raises questions about their ability to contend effectively in this fixture.

Our Betting Tip

In light of the current form and historical context, our betting tip for the match between Bolton Wanderers and Rotherham United leans heavily towards a home victory for Bolton. The odds of 1.42 for a Bolton win at Betika reflect the confidence in their ability to secure three points. Furthermore, considering Rotherham's struggles, we also advise betting on "Both teams to score? No," with favorable odds of 1.80 at 888sport. This dual approach encapsulates the essence of a match where Bolton's defensive resilience, paired with Rotherham's offensive difficulties, could lead to a straightforward home win.

Our tips

AI Prediction for the Match Bolton Wanderers vs Rotherham United

Analyzing the statistics and recent performances, the AI prediction for this match suggests a strong likelihood of a Bolton Wanderers victory. The expected scoreline, based on current form, could be 2-0 in favor of Bolton. The AI betting tip emphasizes the home side's superior form, particularly at Toughsheet Community Stadium, and their ability to maintain a solid defense against an underperforming Rotherham attack.

Bolton Wanderers Performance Check

Bolton Wanderers, under the management of Steven Schumacher, have demonstrated commendable form this season. With a total of 34 points from 20 matches, their sixth-place standing reflects a balanced approach between offensive prowess and defensive stability. They have scored 28 goals while conceding only 19, showcasing their ability to control matches effectively. The team’s home record is particularly impressive, with no defeats at Toughsheet Community Stadium this season, making them formidable opponents for any visiting side.

How is the Current Performance of Rotherham United?

Rotherham United, managed by Matt Hamshaw, is currently facing significant challenges in League One. Positioned 18th with 24 points, their form has been inconsistent, marked by six wins, six draws, and nine losses. The team has struggled to find the net consistently, scoring only 21 goals while conceding 27. Their away performances have been particularly troubling, with a record that includes six losses out of ten matches. This lack of form creates an uphill battle as they prepare to face a high-flying Bolton side.

Head-to-Head Last Direct Meetings

The head-to-head record over the last five meetings between Bolton Wanderers and Rotherham United paints a clear picture of competitive dynamics. Bolton has secured one victory, while Rotherham has dominated with four wins. This trend highlights Rotherham's historical advantage but also suggests that Bolton's recent form may challenge this narrative.

Performance Last 5 Matches

In their last five matches, Bolton Wanderers have recorded three wins and two defeats, indicating a mixed but ultimately positive trend. Conversely, Rotherham United's form has been less encouraging, with only one win, one draw, and three defeats in their last five encounters, underscoring their struggles to find form.

Performance

Bolton Wanderers
Bolton Wanderers
Last games

Bolton Wanderers performance of the last 5 home matches

Victories
80%
Over 2.5
80%
Rotherham United
Rotherham United
Last games

Rotherham United performance of the last 5 away matches

Victories
40%
Over 2.5
20%

Last Match Results of Bolton Wanderers and Rotherham United

Bolton Wanderers faced a setback in their most recent match, suffering a 1-2 defeat away to Wycombe Wanderers. Rotherham United also encountered disappointment, losing 1-3 at home to Huddersfield Town. Both teams will be eager to bounce back and reclaim their confidence.

Best Odds and Our Betting Prediction

The best odds for a Bolton Wanderers victory are currently available at Betika with odds of 1.42. For those seeking alternative betting options, a draw is offered at 4.60, while a win for Rotherham is available at 7.95 at Betwinner. Our experience with various bookmakers suggests that these odds reflect a favorable environment for betting on a Bolton victory. To find the best betting sites, consider exploring our bookmaker comparison for optimal choices.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Bolton Wanderers are poised to take advantage of their home advantage against a struggling Rotherham United side. With a robust home record and recent form favoring Bolton, a home win appears to be the most likely outcome. The suggested scoreline of 2-0 encapsulates the anticipated dynamics of the match.

As a final note, here are the best betting tips for tomorrow, highlighting opportunities for punters looking to capitalize on upcoming fixtures.

Current Standing

POS TEAM PTS MP W D L GF GA GD
1
Cardiff City
Cardiff City FC
41 20 13 2 5 37 22 15
2
Lincoln City
Lincoln City
38 21 11 5 5 30 22 8
3
Bradford City
Bradford City
37 20 10 7 3 29 20 9
4
Stevenage FC
Stevenage FC
35 19 10 5 4 24 15 9
5
Stockport County
Stockport County
35 20 10 5 5 28 25 3
6
Bolton Wanderers
Bolton Wanderers
34 20 9 7 4 28 19 9
7
Huddersfield Town
Huddersfield Town AFC
31 21 9 4 8 35 31 4
8
Luton Town
Luton Town FC
29 21 8 5 8 26 28 -2
9
Wycombe Wanderers
Wycombe Wanderers
28 21 7 7 7 28 22 6
10
Barnsley FC
Barnsley FC
28 18 8 4 6 30 27 3
11
Leyton Orient
Leyton Orient
28 21 8 4 9 34 34 0
12
Northampton Town
Northampton Town
27 20 8 3 9 21 21 0
13
AFC Wimbledon
AFC Wimbledon
27 20 8 3 9 24 29 -5
14
Wigan Athletic
Wigan Athletic FC
26 20 6 8 6 22 23 -1
15
Reading FC
Reading FC
25 20 6 7 7 24 26 -2
16
Peterborough United
Peterborough United
25 20 8 1 11 24 27 -3
17
Plymouth Argyle
Plymouth Argyle
25 21 8 1 12 26 33 -7
18
Rotherham United
Rotherham United
24 21 6 6 9 21 27 -6
19
Burton Albion
Burton Albion
24 20 6 6 8 18 26 -8
20
Exeter City
Exeter City
23 20 7 2 11 21 20 1
21
Mansfield Town
Mansfield Town
23 20 6 5 9 24 26 -2
22
Blackpool FC
Blackpool FC
23 21 6 5 10 24 30 -6
23
Doncaster Rovers
Doncaster Rovers
22 21 6 4 11 21 35 -14
24
Port Vale FC
Port Vale FC
15 20 3 6 11 13 24 -11
Legend
  • Promotion
  • Play-offs
  • Relegation