The Eco-Power Stadium will host a League One Yorkshire derby as Doncaster Rovers take on Bradford City next Saturday. Both sides have had solid starts to their respective league campaigns, with Donny coming into this match on the back of a 2-1 win over Everton U21 in the EFL Trophy Cup, while the Batams secured a convincing 2-1 victory against Grimsby in the same competition.
This fixture promises to be a thrilling encounter as both teams will be looking to continue their strong form. Doncaster's home advantage and Bradford's recent attacking prowess make for a compelling game.
Read our Doncaster vs Bradford predictions and preview to find out, but remember to also check our other League One prediction.
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Doncaster vs Bradford prediction: Expect a tight encounter
Key statistics
- Doncaster have beaten Bradford in their last two games.
- Four of their last five games have had BTTS.
- Donny have won by a 2-1 scoreline in their last two encounters.
Correct score prediction: Doncaster 2-1 Bradford
Looking ahead to this match, a narrow 2-1 win for Doncaster seems like a realistic outcome when considering their recent meetings with Bradford. In fact, the Bantams have also edged the last two encounters by the same 2-1 scoreline.
Both sides have displayed strong attacking qualities so far this season, but they have also proven difficult to break down at the back. This balance between solid defending and sharp attacking play suggests the game will be competitive, with few chances and small details likely deciding the result. A narrow scoreline such as 2-1 feels like the most probable outcome in what promises to be another closely fought contest.
Pre-match odds and win probability: Tight odds given by bookmakers
- Home: 13/10 (2.30) – 43.48%
- Draw: 23/10 (3.30) – 30.30%
- Away: 21/10 (3.10) – 32.26%
*Odds provided by Ladbrokes. Subject to change.*
Doncaster Rovers at 2.30 are seen as the most likely winners, while Bradford City at 3.10 and the draw at 3.30 are less likely but still possible results. Donny’s 43.48% chance reflects that bookmakers slightly favour them to win at home, Batam’s 32.26% chance shows they are considered underdogs, and the draw at 30.30% suggests it is almost as likely as a Bradford win.
Most recent head-to-head: Equal wins for both teams
The history between Grant McCann’s team and Graham Alexander’s side suggests that there is very little to separate the two sides. Their head-to-head record is quite balanced, with both clubs winning two games each in their last six meetings, while the other two ended in draws.
One of those results was a narrow 2-1 home win for McCann’s side in their most recent clash, showing their ability to perform well at their home ground. This even record shows just how competitive matches between these two teams tend to be, with neither side holding a clear upper hand.
England League 2 26/04/25
Doncaster
Bradford
England League 2 26/10/24
Bradford
Doncaster
England League 2 05/03/24
Bradford
Doncaster
England EFL Trophy 30/01/24
Bradford
Doncaster
England League 2 20/01/24
Bradford
Doncaster
After reviewing our key Doncaster vs Bradford predictions, be sure to visit our website for the remaining football betting tips today.
Doncaster preview: Injury worries
McCann goes into this match with a few concerns in terms of player availability. Robbie Gotts is currently not available for selection, though the exact reason for his absence remains unclear. Luke Molyneux is also sidelined as he continues to recover from an injury, ruling him out of action for the time being.
Meanwhile, Jamie Sterry is dealing with a more serious setback, as he is recovering from a broken cheekbone. He will be out for a lengthy period and will require careful rehabilitation before he can return to the pitch.
Predicted lineup: Lo-Tutala (GK), Nixon, O'Riordan, Bailey, Pearson, Clifton, Maxwell, Broadbent, Gibson, Middleton & Sharp
- 02.09.25 – Doncaster 2 – 1 Everton U21
- 30.08.25 – Doncaster 1 – 0 Rotherham
- 26.08.25 – Accrington 0 – 2 Doncaster
- 23.08.25 – Port Vale 0 – 1 Doncaster
- 19.08.25 – Huddersfield 2 – 0 Doncaster
Bradford preview: Four absentees in the squad
Alexander will also have to cope with several absentees ahead of this clash. Niall Byrne is ruled out with a knee injury, which will keep him sidelined until he regains full fitness.
Andy Cook is facing a similar issue, as he too is recovering from a knee injury that makes him unavailable for selection. Ciaran Kavanagh, Matty Pennington and Liam Richards are all unavailable, meaning they will not be part of the squad for this fixture.
Predicted lineup: Walker (GK), Tilt, Touray, Wright, Baldwin, Leigh, Lapslie, Power, Neufville, Humphrys & Pointon
- 02.09.25 – Bradford City 2 – 1 Grimsby
- 30.08.25 – Bradford City 3 – 2 AFC Wimbledon
- 26.08.25 – Stoke 0 – 3 Bradford City
- 23.08.25 – Peterborough 1 – 1 Bradford City
- 19.08.25 – Stockport County 1 – 2 Bradford City
Player to watch: Glenn Middleton
One player to keep an eye on in this match is Glenn Middleton, who has been in excellent form recently. He has played a key role in their games since the start of the season, showing his importance to the team’s attack.
The midfielder has provided one assist this season, with his confidence clearly growing and he could be a real threat to the opposition’s defence for this clash.