Toughsheet Community Stadium | EFL Championship 2026-27 | Saturday, August 15 | 12:30pm BST
With the first Saturday of the 2026-27 EFL Championship season on the horizon, BetVictor News takes a closer look at the Bolton vs Preston odds – providing a detailed match preview, score prediction, overall H2H record, team news, the best betting angles and more.
- Bolton vs Preston prediction: Spoils shared in Lancashire derby
- Bet on the EFL Championship with BetVictor
Bolton Vs Preston Odds
Upon their return to the EFL Championship, the Bolton vs Preston odds lean towards a win for the Trotters. Steven Schumacher’s side can be backed at 6/5 with the draw online at 12/5. As for North End, they are available at 11/5.
Ahead of the match, all of the latest Bolton vs Preston betting markets are online which include BTTS, O/U, anytime goalscorers, bet builders, bet boosts, correct score, Asian lines and many, many more.
Bolton Vs Preston Preview
Bolton will be playing EFL Championship football for the first time since 2019 and their fans will be eagerly anticipating there return to England’s second tier. Even more so as they have been gifted a home match against Lancashire rivals Preston.
Steven Schumacher’s charges thrashed Stockport 4-1 in the 2025-26 League One play-off final in May having finished fifth in the standings. Now, the former Plymouth and Stoke boss will be aiming to defy the Championship relegation odds and keep his side in the division this term.
As for North End, their realistic aim will be to sustain a top-half berth and even challenge for the play-offs. Even more so as landing in 8th will give Paul Heckingbottom a chance of delivering Premier League football for the first time in the Lilywhites history.
Bolton Vs Preston H2H Record
Lancashire rivals Bolton and Preston have faced each other 146 times across all competitions. The Lilywhites have 55 wins compared to the Trotters’ 51. The teams have shared the spoils on 40 occasions. North End are unbeaten in the last six H2H clashes in the Championship and won on their last visit to the Toughsheet Community Stadium in 2019 (2-1).
Bolton vs Preston H2H record:
- Bolton wins – 51
- Draws – 40
- Preston wins – 55
Bolton Vs Preston Team News
Summer signings Lewis Brunt and Ryan Hardie are pushing to make their league debuts for Bolton. Both moved from Wrexham with the latter doing so on loan. Elsewhere, Xavier Simons will have to sit on the naughty step after he was dismissed against Sheffield Wednesday in the EFL Cup. The reason why? He punched 17-year-old Harry Gray in the stomach!
As for Preston, Liam Lindsay is in line to start with Lewis Gibson suspended. In attack, Milutin Osmajic may make way for Delano Burgzorg who recently moved to Deepdale on a loan deal from Middlesbrough.
Bolton Vs Preston Predicted Lineups
Bolton predicted lineup:
Bonham; Stephenson, Brunt, Davies, Famewo; Watson, Sheehan; Hardie, Rodrigues, Gale; Dalby
Preston predicted lineup:
Iversen; Offiah, Lindsay, Hughes; Valentin, Thompson, McCann, Vukcevic; Devine, Burgzorg; Erabi
Bolton Vs Preston TV Channel, Live Streaming And Radio
Bolton vs Preston is available to watch live in the UK on Sky Sports+. Live streaming is available via the Sky Go app, Sky Sports app, Virgin TV Go or via a NOW sports membership. Coverage will begin at 11:30am ahead of an 12:30pm kick-off. Supporters can also tune in on BBC Radio Manchester and talkSPORT.
*A valid TV license and Sky Sports subscription is required to watch live in the UK
Bolton Vs Preston Betting Angles
Key Match Stats
- Preston are undefeated in the last six H2H meetings with Bolton.
- Bolton stats – The Trotters netted 18 goals in their last seven League One games in 2025-26 (including the playoffs).
- Preston stats – The Lilywhites haven’t won their opening EFL Championship game since the 2018-19 campaign (1-0 vs QPR).
Top Betting Angles for Bolton vs Preston
- Over 1.5 goals (2/7)
- BTTS – Yes (7/10)
- Draw and BTTS – (18/5)
Bolton Vs Preston Prediction
Although the Bolton vs Preston odds lean towards a home win, we are going to predict a low-scoring draw at the Toughsheet Community Stadium. The Trotters – naturally – will be keen to get off to a winning start but we feel that the Lilywhites resilience and experience at this level will be enough to earn a point.
Prediction: Bolton 1-1 Preston
If you intend to bet on Bolton vs Preston then please take the time to read through BetVictor’s safe and responsible gambling page which will provide good advice on how to stay in control when betting on football.
Any betting decisions should be made responsibly and there are no guarantees when it comes to match outcomes. All odds correct as of 9:30am on August 14, 2026 and are subject to change.
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