Bolton Wanderers and Rotherham United will be desperate to bring an end to their respective winless runs when they meet on Tuesday evening in the opening round of this season’s EFL Trophy.
The Trotters have endured a frustrating start to the campaign with a string of draws, while the Millers have found themselves on the wrong end of results far too often.
With both sides struggling for form, this encounter represents a valuable opportunity to restore confidence and build momentum in the group stage of the competition.
Read our Bolton vs Rotherham predictions and preview to find out, but remember to also check our other EFL Trophy predictions.
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Bolton vs Rotherham predictions: Opportunity to turn the tide
Key statistics:
- Bolton are unbeaten in their last four matches, although all have ended level.
- Rotherham have suffered three defeats in their last four competitive outings.
- The Wanderers have scored and conceded in each of their last five games across all competitions.
- The Millers have failed to win any of their last six games within 90 minutes.
Correct score prediction: Bolton 2-1 Rotherham
Although Bolton have not been at their best and have endured tough outings against Rotherham in the past, they will still back themselves here against the visitors, who are on a miserable run of successive defeats.
Pre-match odds and win probability: Hosts backed to prevail
- HOME: 3/5 (1.60) – 62.5%
- DRAW: 27/10 (3.70) – 27.0%
- AWAY: 4/1 (5.00) – 20.0%
*Odds provided by Ladbrokes; subject to change.
Despite failing to win in their last five fixtures, Bolton have been made favourites by the bookmakers, with odds of 3/5 (1.60) implying a win probability of 62.5%.
By contrast, Rotherham’s recent struggles have seen them priced as outsiders at 4/1 (5.00), reflecting only a 20% chance of success. The visitors’ poor run of form, which has included several defeats, has clearly influenced the market.
Most recent head-to-head: Millers hold the advantage
Rotherham have enjoyed dominance in this fixture in recent years. Their most recent meeting saw the Millers secure a narrow 1-0 victory at the Toughsheet Community Stadium, a result which extended their winning streak against Bolton to five consecutive matches.
England League 1 08/04/25
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Rotherham
England League 1 22/03/25
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Rotherham
England League 1 11/01/25
Rotherham
Bolton
England League 1 16/11/24
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Bolton
England League 1 01/01/22
Rotherham
Bolton
Bolton preview: About three ruled out
Bolton are two-time winners of the EFL Trophy, having lifted the silverware in 1988-89 and most recently in 2022-23. The Wanderers will be aiming to progress beyond the group stage once again, something they have managed in each of the last four editions of the tournament.
However, Steven Schumacher’s side come into this tie in underwhelming form. Their last five matches have all ended without victory, including a penalty shootout defeat to Sheffield Wednesday in the EFL Cup. Four consecutive 1-1 draws in League One highlight their difficulty in turning control into wins.
Injuries continue to hinder the Wanderers, with Victor Adeboyejo, Kyle Dempsey, and Will Forrester remaining absent and yet to feature this season.
Predicted lineup: Sharmon-Lowe (GK), Dacres-Cogley, Toal, Johnston, Conway, Simons, Sheehan, Cozier-Duberry, Morley, Cissoko & Burstow
- 30/08/25: Blackpool 1-1 Bolton
- 23/08/25: Bolton 1-1 Lincoln City
- 20/08/25: Bolton 1-1 Reading
- 16/08/25: Barnsley 1-1 Bolton
- 13/08/25: Bolton 3-3 Sheffield Wednesday (Sheffield Wednesday won on penalties)
Rotherham preview: Injuries compounding problems
Rotherham have also lifted this trophy twice, triumphing in 1995-96 and again in 2021-22. The Millers will be keen to make another deep run, having reached the quarter-finals last season before falling short.
However, Matt Hamshaw’s side enter this fixture in disappointing form. Since their opening-day victory over Port Vale in League One, they have managed just one further success, which came via penalties in the EFL Cup. In the league, the Millers have drawn once and lost four times, including a 1-0 reverse against Doncaster at the weekend.
Compounding their issues is a lengthy injury list. Lenny Agbaire, Josh Benson, Ben Hatton, Joshua Kayode, Sam Nombe, and Kian Spence all remain sidelined and are unlikely to recover in time for Tuesday’s match.
Predicted lineup: Dawson (GK), Rafferty, Jules, Hall, James, Martha, Powell, Yearwood, McWilliams, Hugill & Sherif
- 30/08/25: Doncaster Rovers 1-0 Rotherham United
- 26/08/25: Barnsley 2-1 Rotherham United
- 23/08/25: Rotherham United 2-2 Wigan Athletic
- 16/08/25: Cardiff City 3-0 Rotherham United
- 12/08/25: Salford City 0-0 Rotherham United (Rotherham won on penalties)
Player to watch: Mason Burstow
While Bolton have found victories difficult to come by this season, Mason Burstow has been a rare positive. The forward has already scored three goals in seven appearances and has consistently been a threat in the final third, and he will be relied upon once again to provide the cutting edge that has so often eluded the Wanderers during this stuttering start to the campaign.