Cheltenham vs Bradford

Cheltenham vs Bradford City Predictions, Lineups and Betting Tips

Match Details: Saturday 1st November | Whaddon Road | FA Cup First Round | 16:00 GMT

FA Cup first-round action returns this weekend. Among the EFL's intriguing ties, Cheltenham Town host Bradford City, with both sides eyeing a lucrative second-round draw. The Robins, fresh off a penalty shootout win over Tottenham U23, seek a statement victory under Steve Cotterill. Bradford, unbeaten in five across all competitions, aim to balance cup ambitions with their League One promotion push.

Key Betting Tip: BTTS @ 1.80.

Cheltenham vs Bradford City Predicted Lineups

Cheltenham Predicted XI: Harvey; Bloor, Bradbury, Raglan, Hussey; B. Williams, Sercombe; J. Williams, Mundell, Stevens, Flood

Cheltenham face injury woes, with A. Cook (cruciate), C. Kavanagh (shin), and C. Kelly (ankle) sidelined long-term. T. Blackwell (hamstring) is out until late November, while R. Haynes (calf) and S. Bennett (knee) are doubts. Cotterill's squad relies on versatile attackers to exploit set-pieces.

Bradford Predicted XI: Walker; Halliday, Byrne, Shepherd, Richards; Smallwood, Pointon, Sarcevic; Khela, J. Walker, Cook

Bradford report no major injuries, though A. Pattison (Achilles) is a minor doubt. Manager Graham Alexander boasts a near-full squad, emphasizing defensive solidity with Andy Cook up top for aerial threat.

Cheltenham and Bradford City Current Form and Standings

Cheltenham have transformed under Cotterill since his October return, winning three of their last five (W3 D1 L1). Highlights include a 2-1 league triumph over Walsall and the FA Cup penalty heroics against Spurs U23. Averaging 2.4 goals scored and 1.6 conceded recently, they sit 12th in League Two with 20 points from 14 games—eight points clear of relegation but 15 adrift of playoffs. Home form is key, with three wins in six.

Bradford, meanwhile, are flying in League One, holding 5th on 25 points from 13 matches (W7 D4 L2). Unbeaten in five (W1 D4), their latest was a gritty 0-0 draw at Lincoln City. They average 1.2 goals scored and 0.8 conceded, showcasing tactical discipline. Away record: W2 D2 L1. Promotion feels tangible, just seven points off leaders Bolton.

Cheltenham vs Bradford City Head-to-Head Timeline

Recent clashes have been tight, with Bradford holding a slight edge. Over five meetings: Bradford 2 wins, Cheltenham 1, draws 2. The Bantams won 3-0 at home in March's League Two clash, but October's reverse fixture ended 1-1 at Whaddon Road—Luke Young equalizing Neill Byrne's early header.

Recent H2H Results:

Bradford City 3-0 Cheltenham, 04/03/25 (League Two) Cheltenham 1-1 Bradford City, 22/10/24 (League Two) Bradford City 2-1 Cheltenham, 15/12/23 (League Two) Cheltenham 2-2 Bradford City, 01/04/23 (League Two) Bradford City 1-0 Cheltenham, 20/09/22 (League Two)

Cheltenham vs Bradford City Predictions

Our model, crunching 200+ data points on form, H2H, injuries, and tactics, predicts a 0-1 Bradford win (52% probability). Cheltenham's attacking intent meets Bradford's rock-solid defense, but the visitors' quality should prevail in a low-scoring affair. Expect under 2.5 goals (60% chance), with BTTS unlikely (35%).

Best Cheltenham vs Bradford City Betting Tips

Football Park’s Best Bet: Both Teams to Score @ 1.80

(Odds are subject to change)

Cheltenham vs Bradford City: Key Players to Watch

Luke Young (Cheltenham) - The midfielder's long-range stunner vs. Bradford last time out highlights his threat; two goals and an assist in five games under Cotterill.

Andy Cook (Bradford) - The striker's aerial dominance netted three of Bradford's last four away goals. His hold-up play will test Cheltenham's depleted backline.

Cheltenham vs Bradford City Match Facts

Referee: T. Robinson Broadcast Details: BBC Sport (highlights); live on EFL's iFollow for subscribers Stadium Information: Whaddon Road holds 7,066, with a compact setup favoring the hosts' intensity.