Blackburn Rovers take on Bradford City on Tuesday in the first round of the EFL Cup, with both teams seeking to advance in the competition.
The Bantams failed to build on their opening-season win in the EFL League One and were held to a goalless draw in their trip to Northampton Town.
Meanwhile, the Blue and Whites lost their opening game of the EFL Championship season following a 1-0 away defeat at the hands of West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.
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Blackburn vs Bradford prediction: A low-scoring encounter
Key statistics
- The Blue and Whites have defeated the Bantams in four of their last seven encounters.
- In four of their last seven games against Bradford, Blackburn have scored fewer than 1.5 goals.
- Both teams failed to score against each other in five of their last seven games.
Correct score prediction: Blackburn 1-0 Bradford
The Riversiders have had an impressive pre-season, having won four of their last five games. The Bantams, on the other hand, also had a good preseason and won their opening game of the EFL League One season.
However, Valerien Ismael’s side have had a good run against Graham Alexander’s team. A 1-0 victory for Blackburn is a possibility because they have won by that exact scoreline in two of their last seven meetings with Bradford City and they have also kept clean sheets in four of those seven encounters.
Pre-match odds and win probability: Bookmakers give Blackburn slight edge
- Home: 3/4 (1.75) – 57.14%
- Draw: 5/2 (3.50) – 28.57%
- Away: 3/1 (4.00) – 25.00%
*Odds provided by Ladbrokes. Subject to change.*
Blackburn Rovers have been given 1.75 odds and a 57.14% chance of winning, while Bradford City are valued at 4.00 odds and a 25.00% chance of winning. The bookmakers have slightly favoured Valérien’s men to win in this clash.
Head-to-head: Blackburn dominate meetings
The Riversiders Rovers have dominated the head-to-head record against the Bantams. Based on their previous records, Valérien’s men have a clear advantage over Graham's side, having won four of the seven encounters, while Bradford City have only secured one victory in that same period.
England EFL Cup 23/08/22
Bradford
Blackburn
Club Friendly List 24/07/21
Bradford
Blackburn
England League 1 29/03/18
Blackburn
Bradford
England League 1 19/08/17
Bradford
Blackburn
Club Friendly List 26/07/14
Bradford
Blackburn
After reviewing our key Blackburn vs Bradford predictions, be sure to visit our website for the remaining football betting tips today.
Blackburn preview: Multiple injury setbacks
Blackburn Rovers are currently dealing with several key injuries, particularly with a group of players suffering from muscle-related issues.
Aynsley Pears, Adam Forshaw and Sidnei Tavares are all sidelined with muscle injuries and are not expected to return until late August 2025.
Additionally, the team faces a longer-term absence with defender Hayden Carter out until early January 2026.
Predicted lineups: Toth (GK), Brittain, Hyam, Wharton, Ribeiro, Travis, Tronstad, Hedges, Henriksson, Gueye, Ohashi
England Championship 03/05/25
D
Sheff Utd
1
Blackburn
1
England Championship 26/04/25
W
Watford
1
Blackburn
2
England Championship 21/04/25
W
Sunderland
0
Blackburn
1
England Championship 18/04/25
W
Millwall
1
Blackburn
4
England Championship 12/04/25
W
Luton
0
Blackburn
1
Bradford preview: Full squad to choose from
Bradford manager Graham heads into the clash with a full squad at his disposal, a significant advantage that allows him to field his strongest possible team and gives him full tactical flexibility, unlike his opponent, who is struggling with injuries.
Predicted lineups: Walker (GK), Pennington, J. Wright, Tilt, Neufville, Power, Leigh, Touray, Sarcevic, Pointon, Humphrys
England League 2 03/05/25
W
Fleetwood Town
0
Bradford
1
England League 2 26/04/25
L
Doncaster
2
Bradford
1
England League 2 21/04/25
D
Chesterfield
3
Bradford
3
England League 2 17/04/25
D
Notts County
1
Bradford
1
England League 2 12/04/25
L
Swindon
5
Bradford
4
Player to watch: Yuki Ohashi
Yuki Ohashi is one of the players to watch for Blackburn when they face Bradford on Tuesday. The striker was one of the key players for the Riversiders Rovers despite not scoring in their first game of the season. He was able to get a shot at goal in his team's loss to West Brom.
