Newcastle will take on Bradford in the EFL Cup on Wednesday, 24 September, with the hosts looking to kick-start their season after a ropey start.
The Magpies have only one of their opening six matches in all competitions, and they have especially struggled in front of goal.
Bradford will sense that there is an opening for an upset here, but it is a huge ask.
As part of this week's round of EFL Cup betting tips, check out our Newcastle vs Bradford prediction below.
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Newcastle vs Bradford prediction: The hosts to get the job done
Key Stats
- Newcastle kept a clean sheet in their one and only win this season.
- Newcastle have won their last five matches against lower league opposition.
- Fewer than three goals have been scored in four of Newcastle's six matches this season.
Correct score prediction: Newcastle 2-0 Bradford
Eddie Howe will rotate his players for this one, but whoever he selects should have enough quality to breeze past Bradford. The League One side have started the season well, though, so shouldn't get battered.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Newcastle are big favourites
- HOME: 1/8 (1.13) – 88.9%
- DRAW: 9/1 (10.00) – 10%
- AWAY: 16/1 (17.00) – 5.9%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
The Newcastle vs Bradford odds reflect just how big the gulf is between League One and the Premier League, and the Bantams are being given little chance. Ladbrokes have priced Newcastle as mammoth favourites, giving them an 88.9% of winning the match, while Bradford have been given a 5.9% chance of victory.
You can find all our predictions for today's games on our football betting tips page.
Most recent H2Hs: A first meeting in 24 years
This will be the first time that Newcastle and Bradford have played against each other since 2001, when the Bantams were a Premier League outfit in their own right. The most recent clash between the two clubs finished 2-2.
Newcastle preview: Will Wissa be ready?
Yoane Wissa is yet to make his Newcastle debut due to a knee problem, and it's unlikely that he will be ready for this one as he is yet to return to training. Fellow summer recruit, Jacob Ramsey, is also unavailable for this one. Nick Woltemade should get the start up front, with Howe keen for the German to build on the goal he scored on debut against Wolves. Aaron Ramsdale should get the nod in goal.
Predicted lineup: Ramsdale (GK), Krafth, Lascelles, Thiaw, Trippier, Willock, Guimaraes, Joelinton, Barnes, Woltemade, Osula
Last five results
- Bournemouth 0-0 Newcastle
- Newcastle 1-2 Barcelona
- Newcastle 1-0 Wolves
- Leeds 0-0 Newcastle
- Newcastle 2-3 Liverpool
Bradford preview: Leigh is a doubt
Tommy Leigh could miss out on this match after the midfielder was forced off early at the weekend. Leigh aside, Bradford are expected to field their strongest possible XI as they look to pull off an almighty cup scalp.
Predicted lineup: Turner (GK), Ng, Lawlor, Chambers, Bagan, Mafico, Colwill, Nyakuhwa, Robinson, Davies, Salech
Last five results
- Cardiff 1-3 Bradford
- Bradford 3-1 Huddersfield
- Doncastle 3-1 Bradford
- Bradford 2-1 Grimsby
- Bradford 3-2 Wimbledon
Player to watch: Aaron Ramsdale
After signing for Newcastle in the summer, Aaron Ramsdale has had to settle for a place on the bench for the Magpies so far, but the former Arsenal keeper will be given a chance between the sticks this week. If Ramsdale can perform well and put pressure on Nick Pope, then he could slowly become the club's first-choice goalkeeper over the course of the season.