Bradford City and Grimsby Town are set to clash on Tuesday night in the EFL Trophy second round at the University of Bradford Stadium.
Both teams head into the match in good form after positive starts to their seasons. The Bantams will be full of confidence following a strong 3-0 win over Stoke City, while the Mariners will be brimming with confidence after knocking out Manchester United from the EFL Cup following a 2-2 draw.
Bradford’s attacking strength will go up against Grimsby’s solid defence, making this a balanced contest. While Bradford look sharp in front of goal, Grimsby have shown resilience away from home.
Read our Bradford vs Grimsby predictions and preview to find out, but remember to also check our other EFL Trophy predictions.
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Bradford vs Grimsby prediction: The Bantams should get the win
Key statistics
- BTTS have been played in four of their last five encounters at Bradford.
- Over 5.5 cards have been shown in their last two meetings.
- Their last meeting ended in a 3-1 scoreline in favour of Bradford.
Correct score prediction: Bradford 3-1 Grimsby
We expect Bradford City to come out on top in this cup tie and we predict a comfortable 3-1 victory for the home side. The Bantams have the advantage of playing at home, which gives them the upper hand in this game.
The Mariners have shown strong character and resilience away from home, but Bradford’s recent goal-scoring form should be enough to edge this contest. This would mirror their past two home meetings with Grimsby, both of which ended in wins for Bradford.
Pre-match odds and win probability: Bradford given favourite odds
- Home: 8/11 (1.73) – 57.89%
Draw: 27/10 (3.70) – 27.03%
Away: 16/5 (4.20) – 23.81%
*Odds provided by Ladbrokes. Subject to change.*
The latest odds give a clear picture of how bookmakers view this match. Bradford City, at 1.73 (57.89%), are seen as the most likely winners, while a draw at 3.70 (27.03%) is considered less probable and Grimsby Town, priced at 4.20 (23.81%), are regarded as outsiders.
These percentages highlight the bookmakers’ assessment of the contest, showing that although Bradford hold the advantage, the odds still point to a potentially competitive game, with the chance of a draw reflecting how closely matched the sides can be and Grimsby, despite being less favoured, still carries the possibility of springing a surprise.
Most recent head-to-head: Bradford dominant at home
The head-to-head history between Bradford and Grimsby shows just how Graham Alexander’s team have dominated their home games against David Artell’s side in recent years.
In their last six meetings, Bradford have won three of their last five home games and have drawn only two. The most recent clash went Bradford’s way, as they secured a comfortable 3-1 win over Grimsby.
England League 2 04/01/25
Bradford
Grimsby
England League 2 31/08/24
Grimsby
Bradford
England EFL Cup 13/08/24
Grimsby
Bradford
England League 2 01/04/24
Grimsby
Bradford
England EFL Trophy 10/10/23
Grimsby
Bradford
After reviewing our key Bradford vs Grimsby predictions, be sure to visit our website for the remaining football betting tips today.
Bradford preview: Few injuries in the team
Alexander’s side will be missing a few players going into this match due to injuries and fitness concerns. Nathan Byrne is sidelined with a knee injury, while Andy Cook is also unavailable because of a knee problem. Ciaran Kavanagh is also out of the clash.
These absences could limit Bradford’s options, especially in attack, but the team will still be aiming to cope well despite the setbacks.
Predicted lineup: Walker (GK), Touray, Halliday, Wright, Kelly, Baldwin, Metcalfe, Lapslie, Leigh, Swan & Wright
- Bradford City 3 – 2 AFC Wimbledon
- Stoke City 0 – 3 Bradford City
- Peterborough United 1 – 1 Bradford City
- Stockport County 1 – 2 Bradford City
- Bradford City 2 – 1 Luton Town
Grimsby preview: Key injuries in the squad
Artell’s team also have several unavailable players from different parts of the squad. Zak Gilsenan is currently not available for the game, while Sophie Lavelle is sidelined with a calf injury. Jon Svanthorsson is out with a knee problem.
Dominic Tharme and Scotland’s Josh Walker are both unavailable for Grimsby. These absences could affect the team’s depth, but Artell’s side will still look to field a competitive lineup.
Predicted lineup: Pym (GK), Sweeney, Rodgers, McJannett, Warren, McEachran, Green, Khouri, Burns, Gardner & Vernam
- Grimsby Town 0 – 1 Bristol Rovers
- Grimsby Town 2(3) – 2(2) Manchester United
- Accrington Stanley 1 – 1 Grimsby Town
- Walsall 0 – 1 Grimsby Town
- Grimsby Town 2 – 1 Newport County
Player to watch: Will Swan
One player Bradford fans will be keeping a close eye on is striker Will Swan. He has been in strong form recently, scoring three goals in his last five matches across all competitions.
That run includes an important goal in Bradford’s recent EFL Cup win, showing that he can deliver when it matters most. With his sharp finishing and physical presence up front, Swan is expected to play a vital role in leading Bradford’s attack in this cup tie.