Bolton and Oxford United clash at Wembley for final Championship spot

Bolton Wanderers and Oxford United face off this weekend in the League One play-off final, and it’s live on talkSPORT.

The Trotters just missed out on the automatic promotion spots but have another chance of being in the Championship next season after reaching Wembley.

Ian Evatt’s side finished third, five points adrift of Derby County, but have made the final after a 5-4 aggregate win over Barnsley.

Bolton come into the showpiece match as favourites due to the fact they finished ten points clear of Oxford in the table.

As for Des Buckingham’s men, The U’s edged a tight 2-1 aggregate win in their play-off semi-final against Peterborough United.

Bolton vs Oxford United: Goals everywhere

Both of these sides didn’t have a problem finding the back of the net this season.

Bolton ended the year as the second-top goalscorers in the division with a whopping 89 goals.

However, they also conceded 51, which was significantly more than the two teams above them, Portsmouth (41) or Derby (37) shipped.

Meanwhile, Oxford rattled home 79 goals, which was more than the top two managed but the club also conceded 56.

So, it’s clear to see where these teams thrive and where they struggle.

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Bolton vs Oxford United: Team news

Bolton will be without defender George Johnston.

He’s been out all season and won’t play any part in this match, either.

But barring him, they have no other injury concerns.

Meanwhile, Oxford are sweating over Mark Harris’ fitness due to a knock.

But Will Goodwin is back in training after a leg issue.

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Bolton vs Oxford United: What has been said?

The Trotters are set to be back by around 30,000 fans this weekend and Evatt has thanked them ahead of the game.

He said: “In a ten-day turn-around to take over 30,000 fans, in a cost-of-living crisis, to Wembley means absolutely everything to us.

“It’s unbelievable support and an unbelievable achievement to have that backing. All we want to do is go out and make them proud and if we can do that then everyone will have a good day. 

“When I walk out on Saturday and see the white army there it makes everything worthwhile, all the hard work, the early mornings, the late nights. 

“I will be immensely proud and I will take a look over and say ‘thank-you’ to everything and everyone but after that it’s strictly business and we are there to win a game.”

Bolton vs Oxford United: Date and how to follow

This League One play-off final is set to take place on Saturday, May 17.

Kick-off at Wembley is scheduled for 4:15pm.

talkSPORT will have live coverage from north London, with Adrian Durham serving as your presenter.

Commentary will then come from Sam Matterface, former Watford striker Chris Iwelumo and former Arsenal man Adrian Clarke.

talkSPORT.com will also have all the reaction from Wembley.

To tune in to talkSPORT through the website, click HERE for the live stream.

You can also listen via the talkSPORT app, on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.