Bolton vs Bradford

Leg 1: Jenson Metcalfe To Be Booked

Best odds of 2/1 at Betfred while publishing.

Born in Wigan, Jenson Metcalfe is no stranger to the intensity that comes with facing Bolton, and this fixture is likely to carry added edge for the central midfielder. Those emotions often translate into action on the pitch, particularly in the tackle.

Bolton have drawn plenty of fouls in midfield this season, with 28 opposition central midfielders booked against them in league action. Metcalfe’s own numbers point firmly in the same direction, averaging 1.54 fouls per 90 and collecting seven yellow cards across 32 starts. In a game where midfield control will be hotly contested, he looks a strong candidate to go into the referee’s notebook.

Leg 2: Ruben Rodrigues To Be Booked

Best odds of 4/1 at Skybet while publishing.

Since joining from Oxford, Ruben Rodrigues has been deployed in a deeper central midfield role, one that naturally increases his defensive responsibility. That has already translated into disciplinary involvement, with Rodrigues booked in the most recent meeting with Bolton. Across six starts this season, he has committed 13 fouls and picked up two yellow cards.

Bradford’s opponents in central midfield have also struggled to stay on the right side of the referee this season, with 32 players in that role booked against them in the league. With Metcalfe averaging 1.57 fouls per 90 on the other side, it promises to be a combative and closely fought midfield duel.

Leg 3: Stephen Humphrys Over 1.5 Shots

Best odds available of 4/9 at bet365 while publishing.

Stephen Humphrys looks well placed to be heavily involved in the final third. Rested against Exeter, the forward should be fresh and ready to make an impact, while his history with Wigan ensures he remains a popular villain among Bolton supporters -something that often sharpens his edge in these encounters.

Humphrys is averaging 3.48 shots per 90 this season and has registered at least two efforts in 18 of his 23 starts. That includes two shots off the bench in his last visit to the Toughsheet Stadium, as well as three in the reverse fixture against Bolton. If his side are on the front foot, he should again see plenty of opportunities.

*Note if he doesn’t start replace him with Antoni Sarcevic*

Leg 4: Jenson Metcalfe Over 0.5 Shots

Best odds available of 4/9 at William Hill during publishing.

Metcalfe’s influence is not limited to the defensive side of the game. The midfielder averages 1.84 shots per 90 this season and regularly finds himself in advanced positions when play breaks.

Either Metcalfe or his replacement has recorded a shot in 27 of 32 league starts, including 17 of the last 18 and in the home fixture against Bolton. The Bantams often like mixing up their corner routines and if they go short, it normally falls for the 21-year-old who isn’t shy to have a pop from distance.