Millwall
Bolton Wanderers
Millwall vs Bolton Wanderers Predictions, Picks & Odds – 05/09/2026
Millwall vs Bolton Wanderers – Best bets of the match
Millwall vs Bolton Wanderers Preview
Millwall sit tenth in the Championship but arrive at this fixture in turbulent form, having lost their last two matches and conceded eight goals across that spell. The 3-0 home defeat to Wrexham was particularly damaging. Alex Neil faces a crippling injury crisis with upwards of ten first-team players unavailable, forcing him to field makeshift lineups. The return of loanee Romain Esse from Crystal Palace offers a timely boost in attack.
Bolton Wanderers, newly promoted and currently fifteenth, have endured a difficult run of their own with just one win from their last five outings. Their most recent loss, a 3-2 reverse at Sheffield United after surrendering a lead, was a bitter pill. Manager Steven Schumacher is expected to recall Lewis Brunt to shore up the defence. Away form remains a real concern for the Trotters heading into a notoriously hostile Den.
Millwall's double chance, covering both a home win and a draw, represents the strongest angle here. Three wins from their last five at The Den demonstrate a resilient home record, and Bolton's away form reads poorly: one win from five on the road. The visitors sit fifteenth, five places and two points adrift of their hosts.
Alex Neil's injury crisis cannot be ignored. A dozen first-team absentees have forced makeshift lineups, and conceding eight goals in two matches is alarming. Yet Romain Esse's loan return from Crystal Palace offers fresh attacking impetus, and The Den remains a fortress-like environment for visiting sides.
Bolton's confidence is fragile after squandering a lead in that 3-2 defeat at Sheffield United, and Steven Schumacher's decision to recall Lewis Brunt suggests defensive uncertainty. The home win at 1.95 carries appeal, while the draw at 3.40 provides cover should Millwall's depleted squad lack the quality to finish the job. Backing Millwall not to lose feels the prudent route. Odds correct at time of publication.
Trends to Know about Millwall vs Bolton Wanderers
- Millwall won three of last five home
- Bolton claimed one win in five away
- The Den historically hostile for visitors
Form & Statistics: Millwall vs Bolton Wanderers
Millwall
Recent form
Season statistics (5)
Bolton Wanderers
Recent form
Season statistics (5)
Lineups: Millwall vs Bolton Wanderers
Millwall
Starters
- 1 Max Crocombe
- 2 Caleb Taylor
- 3 Jake Cooper
- 4 Elkan Baggott
- 5 Mark Sykes
- 6 Daniel Kelly
- 7 Jenson Metcalfe
- 8 Zak Sturge
- 9 Camiel Neghli
- 10 Romain Esse
- 11 Lyndon Dykes
Absent
- Tristan Crama (injury)
- Lukas Jensen (quad problem, considerable layoff)
- Casper De Norre (knock (picked up vs Wrexham))
- Josh Coburn (knock (picked up vs Wrexham))
- Mihailo Ivanovic (injury (unavailable))
- Zak Lovelace (knock (picked up vs Wrexham))
- Mathis Servais (hamstring injury (pre-season, out for a month))
- Ryan Leonard (hamstring injury ('not going to be soon'))
- Luke Cundle (injury (stretched off vs Southampton, lengthy layoff))
- Alfie Doughty (injury)
- Derek Mazou-Sacko (injury)
Bolton Wanderers
Starters
- 1 Jack Bonham
- 2 Lewis Brunt
- 3 Chris Forino
- 4 Ben Davies
- 5 Akin Famewo
- 6 Josh Sheehan
- 7 Ethan Erhahon
- 8 Samuel Iling-Junior
- 9 John McAtee
- 10 Thierry Gale
- 11 Sam Dalby
Absent
- Luca Stephenson (injury)
- Gavin Bazunu (injury)
- Ruben Rodrigues (injury (out 4-6 weeks))
- Xavier Simons (suspension)
Medium confidence
A 3-5-2 against a 4-2-3-1 sets up an intriguing contest at The Den, with Millwall's wing-backs likely to be the decisive factor in how much space Bolton can exploit on the flanks. Lyndon Dykes leads the line for the hosts, offering the physicality to trouble a Bolton centre-back pairing that will need to be organised from the first whistle.
For the visitors, Samuel Iling-Junior operating in behind Sam Dalby gives Bolton a creative threat capable of finding pockets between Millwall's defensive lines. Both probable XIs carry reasonable confidence from multiple credible sources, so the tactical picture is clear enough to anticipate a tightly contested Championship fixture.
How to Watch Millwall vs Bolton Wanderers Match?
What time is Millwall vs Bolton Wanderers?
Millwall host Bolton Wanderers at The Den on Saturday 9 May 2026, with kickoff set for 3:00 PM.
Where is Millwall vs Bolton Wanderers being played?
This Championship fixture takes place at The Den, Millwall's home ground in South Bermondsey, London.
How Can I Watch Millwall vs Bolton Wanderers on TV and Live Stream?
Check local listings for live coverage of Millwall vs Bolton Wanderers on Saturday afternoon.
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