Exclusive: David Prutton predicts Bolton Wanderers and Huddersfield Town battle for big prize | OneFootball

Speaking exclusively with FLW, Prutton has been speaking on the battle between the Wanderers and the Terriers for a League One play-off spot.

Bolton Wanderers are firmly embroiled in the race for a play-off finish in League One alongside Huddersfield Town, and speaking exclusively to Football League World, Sky Sports pundit David Prutton believes it's a battle that will go down to the wire.

Steven Schumacher's Wanderers side sit just one point behind sixth-placed Huddersfield Town after 37 games, as they look to secure their third successive season inside the top six.

The Trotters suffered play-off final heartbreak at Wembley Stadium last term, falling to a 2-0 defeat to Oxford United having finished third in the table, but Schumacher's opening 10 games in charge since replacing Ian Evatt have elicited further inconsistent results.

"Fascinating battle" - David Prutton makes Bolton, Huddersfield play-off claim

Speaking exclusively to FLW, Prutton believes that Bolton and Huddersfield's battle for a play-off spot will go right down to the wire.

He said: "Bolton; just outside of the play-offs. Huddersfield Town under Jon Worthington; smashing their way back in.

"There was a reason they made a change, the Terriers, and Jon's done a good job so far. As I said before, very safe pair of hands, practical, reliable and responsible coach, that will lead that team in a very humble way, but has no lack of fight in his stomach and fire in the belly for what is a mini-season for them between now and the end of the season.

"But Bolton will push them all the way. Steven Schumacher's done a wonderful job since he took over. Obviously disappointment last time out against Stockport County, but that is one hell of a race given the form of the teams in and around them.

"You've got to mention Charlton as well in there, and then you work your way up to the top of the division. So, I think they've got a tremendous chance, Bolton, I just think it's going to be potentially a juke out between Bolton and Huddersfield for that last remaining spot.

"With again, a huge shout-out to Reading given what they have managed to navigate off the pitch, over what what feels like an interminable amount of time now.

"So, they sit just outside it, they've got a good chance, they've got the Terriers to climb over though, which will be a fascinating battle to the end."

Play-off battle between Bolton and Huddersfield could be won by whichever team finds consistency

Consistency - it's an issue that has been plaguing both Bolton and Huddersfield in recent weeks.

Wanderers were on a six-game unbeaten run in League One, but two straight defeats by relegation-threatened Bristol Rovers and fellow play-off chasers Stockport County respectively, have halted their top six charge.

As for the Terriers, two wins and four defeats from their last six league outings has prevented them from firmly establishing themselves inside the play-offs, and has left the door open for the likes of the Trotters to overtake them in the home straight.

Therefore, this race for a top six spot could well be determined by which side can find a run of form between now and the end of the campaign, in what looks set to be a dramatic end to the 2024/25 League One season.