Jump directly to the content

Bolton Wanderers and Oxford United face off this evening 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.

Aaron Collins #28 of Bolton Wanderers is celebrating his goal during the Sky Bet League 1 Play-Off Semi-Final 2nd leg between Bolton Wanderers and Barnsley at the Toughsheet Stadium in Bolton, England, on May 7, 2024. (Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
3
Bolton just got past BarnsleyCredit: Getty

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: Date and how to follow

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

Read more on football

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.

Oxford United players are celebrating Cameron Brannagan's (No. 8) penalty, which made the score 1-1, during the Sky Bet League 1 Play-Off Semi-Final second leg between Peterborough and Oxford United at London Road in Peterborough, on May 8, 2024. (Photo by Kevin Hodgson/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
3
Oxford just about did enough to get through against PeterboroughCredit: Getty
Kevin Nolan tells story about being thrown up against a wall by Sam Allardyce during his Bolton days

Bolton vs Oxford United: Line-ups

Bolton: Baxter, Jones, Santos, Toal, Sheehan, Dacres-Cogley, Maghoma, Thomason, Ogbeta, Charles, Collins

Subs: Iredale, Coleman, Adeboyejo, Forrester, Morley, Dempsey, Jerome

Oxford: Cumming, Long, Moore, Brown, Bennett, Brannagan, Dale, Rodrigues, Goodrham, Murphy, Harris

Subs: McEachran, Bodin, Browne, Eastwood, Stevens, McGuane, Leigh

Referee: Sam Barrott

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.

Evatt has performed a stellar job at Bolton
3
Evatt has performed a stellar job at BoltonCredit: Getty

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. 

Read More on talkSPORT

"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."

Topics