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Looking to kick off their EFL Trophy campaign on a perfect note, Bradford City will welcome Newcastle United Under-21s to Valley Parade on Tuesday evening.
The Bantams enter this encounter in explosive form and sit top of the League One table, whereas the Magpies arrive on the back of a defeat to Leeds United U21 on Saturday.
That defeat came four days after Newcastle U21's EFL Trophy success at York City, with the result putting them top of Northern Group C, which also includes Rotherham United.
Read our prediction, preview and betting tips for the game below, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions.
Bradford vs. Newcastle U21 key stats
- Newcastle U21 have lost six of their last seven games.
- Bradford have kept clean sheets in seven of their 10 competitive matches this season.
- Newcastle United U21 have conceded before the interval in each of their last eight matches.
- Newcastle U21 have failed to score in two of their last four outings.
Bradford vs Newcastle U21 preview: Bantams' defensive strength faces youthful Magpies
Bradford vs. Newcastle U21 — Tale of the Tape
| Bradford | vs | Newcastle U21 |
|---|---|---|
| 1st (League One) | Position | 30th (Premier League 2) |
| 15 | Points | 0 |
| 7 | Goals For | 1 |
| 4 | Goals Against | 9 |
| 5 | Clean Sheets | 0 |
| 7th | Home / Away Rank | 25th |
Bradford nearly secured back-to-back promotions on their return to League One last term, having seen that ambition cut short following a semi-final defeat to Bolton Wanderers in the playoffs.
However, the Bantams look well placed to mount another promotion push this season, having picked up 15 points from their opening seven matches to sit top of the table.
The most recent of that run came on Saturday when Graham Alexander's side beat Luton Town courtesy of Bobby Pointon's first-half strike, with Bradford now leading at half-time and going on to win in two of their last four outings.
The Bantams have also enjoyed a good run in the EFL Cup after beating Leyton Orient to secure a berth in the fourth round, where they will face Peterborough.
That being said, Bradford's journey in the EFL Trophy ended in the second round last season following defeat to Bolton Wanderers, and they will be looking to surpass that stage this term.
Newcastle United U21 began their EFL Trophy campaign in encouraging fashion at York, recovering from a goal down to record a 3-1 victory in their first Group C fixture.
The wider picture is much less convincing, though, as the young Magpies have lost their opening three Premier League 2 matches and also suffered defeat at Boreham Wood in the National League Cup before beating York.
Saturday's 2-0 loss to Leeds further exposed their defensive vulnerabilities, with Newcastle having now conceded 12 goals across their last five competitive matches.
That said, Newcastle have recent experience of this opponent, having drawn 2-2 with Bradford in the 2024 EFL Trophy before prevailing on penalties..
Bradford vs. Newcastle U21 form guide & betting tips
| Bradford | vs | Newcastle U21 |
|---|---|---|
L
W
W
W
W
|
Form |
L
L
L
W
L
|
| 7 | Goals For | 5 |
| 3 | Goals Against | 12 |
N/A |
EFL Trophy | W
|
Whispers predicts: Bradford 2-0 Newcastle U21
Bradford's defensive numbers make a home victory difficult to overlook, particularly against a Newcastle U21 side that has looked vulnerable in recent times.
As such, a Bradford win at 1.25 (1/4) looks a solid pick, though combining the home victory and under 4.5 goals offers greater return at 1.73 (8/11), given the hosts' watertight defence, while BTTS – No at 1.83 (5/6) is also worth considering.
The half-time/full-time selection at 1.80 (4/5) is supported by Bradford's tendency to take control of matches early enough, while the 2-0 correct score at 8.00 (7/1) reflects their strong defensive record and Newcastle's recent struggles at the back.
> Bradford to win at 1.25 (1/4) | Likelihood: Probable]
> Bradford win & under 4.5 goals at 1.73 (8/11) | Likelihood: Possible
> Bradford win half-time/full-time at 1.80 (4/5) | Likelihood: Possible
> BTTS – No at 1.83 (5/6) | Likelihood: Possible
> Bradford 2-0 Newcastle U21 at 8.00 (7/1) | Likelihood: Outsider