Bolton Wanderers v Cardiff City: out-of-form hosts meet winless visitors | OneFootball

Bolton Wanderers host Cardiff City in the Championship on Saturday, 12 September 2026 in Bolton, with 21st facing 20th as both sit on four points and seek a lift away from the relegation fight.

Recent head-to-heads were split last season in League One, each winning at home, most recently Cardiff City 2-0 in April.

Bolton Wanderers have lost four league games on the bounce after an opening win and a draw, conceding heavily in defeats at Millwall and at home to West Ham United. Cardiff City are winless in six league outings, drawing four and losing two.

The hosts are without defenders Akin Famewo and Lewis Brunt, while midfielder Luca Stephenson remains sidelined. The visitors miss defenders Calum Chambers, William Thomas Fish and Dylan Lawlor, plus forward Isaak Davies.

Cardiff City have averaged 66% possession with 85.94% passing accuracy and deliver a high volume of open-play crosses, which could test a Bolton Wanderers defence that has conceded 12 goals. Cian Ashford, with two league goals and an assist, may offer the visitors' spark from wide areas, while Sam Dalby leads Bolton Wanderers with two league goals.

Victory would take either side to seven points and could move them towards mid-table. Defeat may leave them hovering near the bottom three.