Bolton 2-0 Port Vale – Result & Analysis
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Poisson rates Bolton at 75% — recent form provides partial corroboration, though signals are mixed in this Bolton vs Port Vale encounter.
✍️ Match Preview
Match Analysis
Bolton host Port Vale at Toughsheet Community Stadium in League One (matchday 45). Kick-off is Saturday 20 April 2024 at 16:00 UK time.
Form Guide
Bolton — last 10 games: 4W 5D 1L, averaging 1.70 points per game. Last five: D W W D D. They are averaging 2.10 goals per game — a high-scoring output that makes them a genuine attacking threat in any fixture. 4 clean sheets in 10 games (40%) reflects a solid defensive base.
Bolton's home record over their last 10 home games: 6W 4D 0L (2.20 PPG). They are averaging 2.30 goals per home game — a prolific scoring rate in front of their own fans. 4 home clean sheets from their last 10 home games (40%) — a solid defensive base on their own ground. BTTS has landed in 60% of their home matches — a rate that supports the Yes angle in this fixture. Their home PPG of 2.20 is noticeably stronger than their overall 1.70 — Bolton are significantly better at home than their overall form suggests.
Looking at their last 10 matches, Port Vale stand at 2W 2D 6L — 0.80 PPG. Last five: L D L L L. Their scoring rate of 0.70 per game is modest, conceding 1.50 — not a side to back heavily on the Over 2.5 from their form alone. 4 clean sheets in 10 outings (40%) underlines their defensive solidity. Both teams have scored in just 30% of their games, reflecting a regular tendency to keep or record clean sheets.
Port Vale's away record over their last 10 away games: 1W 2D 7L (0.50 PPG). Away from home they average 0.40 goals scored and 1.80 conceded per game. Away from home, both teams have scored in only 20% of games — a low rate that backs BTTS No when they travel.
On current form, Bolton have the edge — a 0.90 PPG advantage (1.70 vs 0.80) represents a meaningful gap. That momentum makes them the form-based pick, though if the outright price looks short, Draw No Bet is worth comparing.
H2H
There is little to separate the sides in our head-to-head data. From 3 H2H matches, Bolton have won 2, Port Vale 0, with 1 draw — a balanced record that offers no clear steer on its own. With only 3 H2H matches to go on, treat this as a light input.
Scoring has been limited in the 3 H2H matches in our data, averaging 1.3 goals per game, which makes Under 2.5 the head-to-head-backed angle in the goals market. The most recent of those, on 30 Sep 2023, ended Bolton 1–0 Port Vale — a Bolton win.
With a balanced win record and just 1.3 goals per game, the H2H data points toward a tight, low-scoring contest — Under 2.5 is the stronger head-to-head angle regardless of which side wins.
Trading Patterns
Bolton in-play and half-time data (last 90 games, 45 of them at home): at least one goal arrives before half-time in 76% of their matches in home games; when goalless at HT, a second-half goal follows 69% of the time; of the 23 games they trailed at half-time, they recovered to draw or win 44%; BTTS occurs in 47% of their matches (home games); Over 2.5 goals lands in 47% of games (home games); they keep a clean sheet 41% of the time.
Port Vale in-play and half-time data (last 90 games, 45 of them away): at least one goal arrives before half-time in 62% of their matches in away games; when goalless at HT, a second-half goal follows 79% of the time; of the 16 games they led at half-time, they failed to win 50%; BTTS occurs in 44% of their matches (away games); Over 2.5 goals lands in 53% of games (away games); they fail to score in 38% of games.
BTTS rates are mixed from the trading data — Bolton 44% versus Port Vale 44%; no strong lean in either direction. The over/under 2.5 picture is inconclusive from the in-play data (Bolton 42% | Port Vale 50%). Note also that Port Vale surrender HT leads in 50% of cases while Bolton recover from half-time deficits to draw or win 44% of the time — a dynamic that could influence in-play positioning.
Poisson Model
The Poisson distribution model projects Bolton 2.39 xG and Port Vale 0.69 xG. These expected goals figures are the primary input: they feed a goal-probability matrix across all scoreline combinations to derive the result and market probabilities below. Underlying strength ratings: Bolton attack 1.546 / defence 1.013 | Port Vale attack 0.569 / defence 1.180. League average goals — home 1.308 / away 1.191. Bolton carry an above-average attack rating of 1.546 — their 2.39 xG reflects attacking quality above the league norm. Port Vale's attack rating of 0.569 is below the league average, which holds their xG down at 0.69. Data: built from Bolton's last 90 games and Port Vale's last 90.
Result probabilities: Bolton 75% | Draw 16% | Port Vale 9%. Fair-value odds: Bolton 1.33 | Draw 6.27 | Port Vale 11.30. The model has a clear lean to Bolton (75%) — a 59pp gap over the next-most-likely outcome reflects a meaningful statistical advantage.
Goals markets: Over 2.5 probability 59% | BTTS Yes probability 45% | Total xG 3.07. Over 2.5 holds a meaningful probability edge at 59% — the 3.07 total xG provides moderate support, though the model is not projecting a high-scoring game. BTTS No at 55% is only a slight lean — the model gives both sides a fair chance of scoring, so No isn't a clear standalone call.
Summary & Verdict
The Poisson model's primary lean is Bolton at 75% — clear model lean. Recent form corroborates the Poisson lean — partial multi-source support.
The Poisson model projects 3.07 xG in total — Over 2.5 at 59% — mixed conviction, supported by recent form (Bolton's last 10 home games and Port Vale's last 10 away games) averaging 2.8 goals per game — though the H2H data averaging only 1.3 goals per game across 3 H2H matches points the other way.
On the BTTS market, Poisson puts 55% on No. Form rates corroborate — both teams scored in: Bolton 60% (last 10 home games) | Port Vale 20% (last 10 away games).
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💡 Key Insights
🏟️ Match Context
• Fixture: Bolton vs Port Vale | Competition: League One, matchday 45 | Venue: Toughsheet Community Stadium • Kick-off: Saturday 20 April 2024 at 16:00 UK time • Data inputs: head-to-head data, recent form (overall and home/away), the Poisson prediction model and market pricing
📊 Statistical Prediction
• Poisson result probabilities: Bolton 75% | Draw 16% | Port Vale 9% • Poisson goal markets: Over 2.5 59% (Under 41%) | BTTS Yes 45% (No 55%) | xG Bolton 2.39 / Port Vale 0.69 • Poisson strength factors: Bolton attack 1.546 / def 1.013 | Port Vale attack 0.569 / def 1.180 | league avg home 1.308 / away 1.191 • Poisson stance: Bolton (75%) — strong lean
🧮 Prediction Model
2.39
Bolton xG
Expected Goals
0.69
Port Vale xG
45%
BTTS
81%
Over 1.5
59%
Over 2.5
37%
Over 3.5
Full score-by-score matrix & model internals in the "Full Poisson Detail" section below ↓
⚠️ This analysis is generated algorithmically from statistical data and is intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute betting advice. Please gamble responsibly.
❓ Bolton vs Port Vale FAQs
What time does Bolton vs Port Vale kick off?
Bolton vs Port Vale kicked off at 16:00 UK time on Saturday 20 April 2024 at Toughsheet Community Stadium.
What was the final score in Bolton vs Port Vale?
Bolton 2 - 0 Port Vale.
Where is Bolton vs Port Vale being played?
The match is being played at Toughsheet Community Stadium.
What competition is Bolton vs Port Vale part of?
Bolton vs Port Vale is a League One fixture (matchday 45) (England).
Who is favourite to win Bolton vs Port Vale?
Our statistical model gives Bolton a 75% chance of winning, Port Vale a 9% chance, and a 16% chance of a draw — making Bolton the favourite.
Will both teams score in Bolton vs Port Vale?
Our model estimates a 45% probability that both Bolton and Port Vale will score, so it leans towards BTTS No (55%).
Will Bolton vs Port Vale have over 2.5 goals?
Our model puts the probability of over 2.5 goals in this match at 59%, so it leans towards over 2.5 goals.
🧮 Model Insight
How the Model Works This Match
The model rates Bolton's attack at 1.55x the league average against Port Vale's defence at 1.18x — combine the two and it projects 2.39 expected goals for the hosts. The same calculation in reverse, Port Vale's attack versus Bolton's defence, projects 0.69 expected goals for the visitors.
These ratings are built from Bolton's last 90 games and Port Vale's last 90 — a full enough recent sample to trust.
Scoreline Breakdown
Of every possible scoreline, 2-0 carries the highest individual probability at 13.2% — still a long way from a near-certainty, which says something about how open this one is on paper. Close behind: 3-0 (10.5%), 1-0 (10.1%). Those top three scorelines alone account for 34% of the model's total probability mass — a relatively concentrated, predictable distribution for this fixture.
Most Likely Outcome
Bolton Win
75%
1.33
16%
6.27
9%
11.30
Top 3 Most Likely Scorelines
2 – 0
13.2%
Home win
Most likely
1 – 0
11.0%
Home win
3 – 0
10.5%
Home win
Expected Goals & Win Odds
2.39
Bolton xG
Total xG
3.07
0.69
Port Vale xG
1.33
75%
Home win
6.27
16%
Draw
11.30
9%
Away win
Goals Markets
81%
Over 1.5
1.23
19%
Under 1.5
5.26
59%
Over 2.5
1.69
41%
Under 2.5
2.44
37%
Over 3.5
2.70
63%
Under 3.5
1.59
20%
Over 4.5
5.00
80%
Under 4.5
1.25
Match Markets
Both Teams to Score
45%
BTTS Yes
2.22
55%
BTTS No
1.82
Clean Sheet
50%
1.99
9%
10.88
Win to Nil
38%
2.64
1%
122.95
Score Probability Matrix (%)
| H \ A | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 4.6 | 3.2 | 1.1 | 0.2 | – | – |
| 1 | 11.0 | 7.6 | 2.6 | 0.6 | 0.1 | – |
| 2 | 13.2 | 9.0 | 3.1 | 0.7 | 0.1 | – |
| 3 | 10.5 | 7.2 | 2.5 | 0.6 | 0.1 | – |
| 4 | 6.3 | 4.3 | 1.5 | 0.3 | 0.1 | – |
| 5 | 3.0 | 2.1 | 0.7 | 0.2 | – | – |
Green = home win · Grey = draw · Amber = away win · Outlined cell = most likely score
▶ Model Internals
❓ Bolton vs Port Vale Prediction FAQs
What is the most likely scoreline for Bolton vs Port Vale?
Our Poisson model rates 2-0 as the single most likely exact scoreline, at 13.2%.
How many goals are Bolton and Port Vale expected to score?
The model projects 2.39 expected goals for Bolton and 0.69 for Port Vale, a combined total of 3.07.
How confident is the prediction model for Bolton vs Port Vale?
Reasonably confident — the model's leading outcome is rated at 75%, a clear lean rather than a toss-up.
📈 Form Insight
Form at a Glance
Bolton's recent record stands at 46W 23D 21L from 90 games, a 1.79 PPG return, with D-W-W-D-D in the last five.
Port Vale, meanwhile, have gone 23W 20D 47L across 90 games — 0.99 PPG, with L-D-L-L-L in their last five.
The points-per-game comparison favours Bolton by 0.80 — a real, if not enormous, edge over Port Vale heading into this one.
Venue Form
At home specifically, Bolton have managed 27W 11D 7L from their last 45 home games — 2.04 PPG in front of their own supporters.
Port Vale's away record stands at 9W 12D 24L across their last 45 away games, a 0.87 PPG haul.
Comparing the two in their relevant venue splits, Bolton come out ahead — a more targeted read than the overall PPG figures above, since it strips out games played in the opposite context.
Goals in Recent Form
Bolton are averaging 1.56 goals scored and 0.94 conceded per game recently; Port Vale are on 0.99 scored and 1.59 conceded.
Defensively: Bolton have kept a clean sheet in 41% of their games — worth knowing if you're weighing up clean-sheet or BTTS-No markets.
Last 90 Results
Current season: same league only · Previous season: all leagues (covers promoted/relegated teams)
Bolton
Current Season
Port Vale
Current Season
Bolton (Home) vs Port Vale (Away)
Home games only for the home side · Away games only for the away side
Bolton
Current Season
Port Vale
Current Season
❓ Bolton vs Port Vale Form FAQs
What form are Bolton and Port Vale in coming into this match?
Bolton have gone 46W 23D 21L in their last 90 games (1.79 PPG), while Port Vale have gone 23W 20D 47L in their last 90 (0.99 PPG).
Which team has the better venue record — Bolton at home or Port Vale away?
Bolton's home record (2.04 PPG) is the stronger of the two venue-specific splits — Bolton at home: 2.04 PPG; Port Vale away: 0.87 PPG.
Have Bolton or Port Vale been keeping clean sheets recently?
Bolton have kept a clean sheet in 41% of their recent games, Port Vale in 26%.
⚔️ Rivalry Insight
Fixture History
This section is based on the 6 H2H matches we hold for this pairing, spanning roughly 3 years from August 2022. All of them came in League One. The most recent was on 21 March 2026, roughly 7 months ago.
Streaks & Records
The biggest gap in our H2H data came on 8 Nov 2025, when Bolton won Bolton 4-0 Port Vale.
Bolton's record when hosting Port Vale specifically: 3W 0D 0L from 3 games — a narrower, venue-specific slice of the head-to-head picture.
Last 6 Meetings
4
Bolton
1
Draws
1
Port Vale
Recent Meetings
❓ Bolton vs Port Vale H2H FAQs
What is the head-to-head record between Bolton and Port Vale?
Across the 6 head-to-head matches in our data, Bolton have won 4, Port Vale have won 1, and 1 has been drawn.
When did Bolton and Port Vale last play each other?
The most recent meeting in our data was on 21 March 2026: Port Vale 1-0 Bolton.
Who has won more matches between Bolton and Port Vale?
Bolton have the better head-to-head record, with 4 wins from the 6 head-to-head matches in our data.
📈 Trading Insight
First-Half Patterns
Bolton are typically involved in an early goal — the half-time board shows at least one in 76% of their matches. They've gone in front at half-time 42% of the time. They've also shown some fight from behind, salvaging a draw or win after trailing at half-time in 40% of those situations.
Port Vale are typically involved in an early goal — the half-time board shows at least one in 62% of their matches. They've also shown some fight from behind, salvaging a draw or win after trailing at half-time in 20% of those situations.
Full-Time Trends
BTTS sits in mixed territory for this pairing — Bolton 47%, Port Vale 44% — no strong lean either way from the trading data alone.
Over 2.5 has been close to a coin-flip for both sides — 47% (Bolton) and 53% (Port Vale).
On the defensive side: Bolton keep a clean sheet in 44% of their matches; Port Vale in 44%.
Current season: same league only. Previous season: all leagues (covers promoted/relegated teams). All = any venue | Venue = Bolton home games / Port Vale away games. HT metrics require half-time score data — shown as — where unavailable.
❓ Bolton vs Port Vale Trading FAQs
Do both teams usually score in Bolton and Port Vale matches?
Not especially — both teams scoring has occurred in only 47% of Bolton's recent matches and 44% of Port Vale's, a rate that leans toward BTTS No.
Are Bolton and Port Vale matches usually high-scoring?
Not particularly — Over 2.5 goals has come in for only 47% of Bolton's recent games and 53% of Port Vale's, pointing to a tighter contest.
Do Bolton and Port Vale matches tend to have early goals?
There has been at least one first-half goal in 76% of Bolton's recent matches and 62% of Port Vale's — a useful reference point for first-half goal markets.
Bolton cruise to a comfortable 2-0 victory over Port Vale.
📝 Match Report
How It Unfolded
Bolton beat Port Vale 2-0 at Toughsheet Community Stadium, Regular Season - 45, in the League One. That is the final score; the rest of this report grades it against what the data forecast beforehand.
The Model vs The Result
The Poisson model went into this projecting Bolton 2.39 xG and Port Vale 0.69 xG, a combined 3.07. The scoreboard read 2-0 for 2 actual goals. Both sides finished within a goal of their individual projections, so the scoreline sat close to the model's expected shape. Those figures were built on strength ratings of Bolton attack 1.55 / defence 1.01 against Port Vale attack 0.57 / defence 1.18, drawn from 90/90 games (CurrentSeason).
On the result, the model split it Bolton 75% | Draw 16% | Port Vale 9%, with Bolton to win its most likely call at 75%. The scoreboard confirmed the model's leading pick.
Goals & Markets
The model rated Over 2.5 goals at 59%. The game delivered 2, so it stayed under — a miss for the goals model. Over 1.5 had been 81% and landed. On both teams to score, the model sat at 45% and the match did not — another call in the model's favour. Historically the two sides average 46% Over 2.5 across their same-competition games (Bolton 42%, Port Vale 50%), a base rate that agreed with today's under. Their combined BTTS history runs at 44%, which matched the one-sided outcome.
Trading Patterns vs Reality
Bolton's trading profile (90 games, 45 home) set some clear expectations: BTTS lands in 44% of their matches — today it did not; they keep a clean sheet 41% of the time, and duly kept one.
Port Vale's trading profile (90 games, 45 away) set some clear expectations: BTTS lands in 44% of their matches — today it did not; they fail to score in 38% of games, a blank that repeated today.
Form vs Result
On form, Bolton arrived the stronger side — 1.79 PPG against 0.99. The form guide was vindicated by the result. Bolton (home/away splits) conceded 0 against a 0.91 average — tighter than their form line. Port Vale (home/away splits) managed 0 against a 0.87 scoring average — below par going forward.
Verdict
Grading the result against the stored data, 3 of 4 pre-match signals came in: result (hit), Over 2.5 (miss), BTTS (hit), form (hit). A mixed scorecard — the data caught the broad shape of the game but not every market.
💡 Key Insights
⚠️ This match report is generated algorithmically from the final score, our prediction model, and each team's historical form and trading data. Analysis is for informational purposes only.
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