markfinn
Sire
Think they will have been down there last night all safely tucked up for 8 following a pasta with salad dinner washed down with a bottle of Yorkshire water
Bradford City
- Thread starter markfinn
- Start date
markfinn
Sire
Bradford City v Reading
Saturday 13 December 2025, 3pm - University of Bradford Stadium (Valley Parade)League One - Matchweek 20Bradford 2nd in the league ( with a game in hand after last weeks postponement) and Reading 17th now back to winning ways having a few injuries didnt help but we have only two league defeats this season only two other clubs Arsenal and Coventry can claim this stat.
Building a fortress at home with great support ( same as Leeds makes these grounds not comfortable for opposition players ) One of the strongest home records in the league - only Lincoln City, Bolton and Cardiff have picked up more points at home.
Reading Away record this season is very poor - only Exeter, Peterborough and Blackpool have picked up fewer points on the road, This is Reading's first visit to Valley Parade in a decade can not see them relishing the journey or the game.
Bradford to win.
DuckandDive
Mare
Here's my overall model for the game v Reading today @ 3pm.
None of the markets stand out for any of the prices on offer.
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In the correct score market maybe: Any Other Home @ 13.00+
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None of the markets stand out for any of the prices on offer.
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In the correct score market maybe: Any Other Home @ 13.00+
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markfinn
Sire
Hi Dave -just looking at your above good work - I thought Bradford were good value at evens
DuckandDive
Mare
Yep. 2.08 on Betfair. (Ladbrokes Quickslip coupon was 1.75) !
I was just trying to see if there were any outliers in the other markets.
markfinn
Sire
Missed a game and they lost without us - typical - but Leeds more than made up fo it -
Bradford City vs Wigan Athletic – League One, Boxing Day 3:00pm, Valley Parade
The situation:
City sit firmly in the top three after promotion from League Two last term. Graham Alexander's side had been on a three-game winning run before losing to Leyton Orient, which saw them slip out of the automatic promotion places. They've lost just twice all season. The72 Club
Recent form:
Key characteristics:
Recent form:
This fixture historically produces tight, low-scoring games.
Bradford will have more of the ball at home but may struggle to break Wigan down. The Latics will sit deep and frustrate.
Likely result: Bradford City 1-0 or 1-1
Value angle: Under 2.5 Goals looks solid given both teams' profiles. BTTS "No" also worth considering given Wigan's struggles scoring away.
Bradford City vs Wigan Athletic – League One, Boxing Day 3:00pm, Valley Parade
The situation:
City sit firmly in the top three after promotion from League Two last term. Graham Alexander's side had been on a three-game winning run before losing to Leyton Orient, which saw them slip out of the automatic promotion places. They've lost just twice all season. The72 Club
- Wigan Athletic are in mid-table, eight points away from the top six. Ryan Lowe's side had a four-game unbeaten run ended by a 2-0 defeat to Blackpool last time out. The72 Club
- Charlie Hodgson: 1-1 – expects a tight game with both sides hard to beat
- James Ray: 1-0 Bradford – backs the home side to scrape a win at Valley Parade
Bradford City (3rd)
Season overview:Bradford City's form is Excellent overall with 10 wins, 7 draws, and 2 losses. This places them 2nd out of 24 teams, winning 53% of matches. Their home form is excellent: 7 wins, 2 draws, and 1 loss. They've scored 28 goals this season. FootyStatsRecent form:
- 1-0 vs Plymouth (A) – 6 Dec Sky Sports
- 1-0 vs Exeter (H) – 29 Nov Sky Sports
- 0-0 vs Bolton (A) – 22 Nov Sky Sports
- 1-2 vs Burton (H) – 8 Nov (Loss) Sky Sports
Key characteristics:
- 5 of Bradford's last 6 League One matches ended Under 2.5 Goals Betshoot
- Average xG of 1.46 per match from 13.17 shots per game FootyStats
- Fantastic defensive record – lost just twice all season The72 Club
- Their form over the last 10 games puts them around the middle of the pack despite their league position The72 Club
Wigan Athletic (11th)
Season overview:Wigan Athletic's form is Average overall with 6 wins, 7 draws, and 5 losses, placing them 11th. Their home form is good (5W, 2D, 2L), but their away form is poor (1W, 5D, 3L). They've scored 21 goals this season. FootyStatsRecent form:
- Lost 0-2 at home to Blackpool on 20 Dec – second-half goals from Ashley Fletcher and Dale Taylor ended their unbeaten run Sky Sports
- Previously had a four-game unbeaten streak
- 67% of Wigan's matches end Under 2.5 Goals FootyStats
- Four 1-1 draws in their last five away games The72 Club
- Defensively solid but struggling to win away from home
- Top scorers: Fraser Murray (4 goals), Paul Mullin (4 goals) FootyStats
Head-to-Head
From 6 meetings: Bradford 1 win, Wigan 1 win, 4 draws FScoreThis fixture historically produces tight, low-scoring games.
Analysis
Bradford's strengths:- Strong home record (7W, 2D, 1L)
- Excellent defensive organisation
- Promotion momentum – still chasing automatic places
- Recent form dip – just lost to Leyton Orient
- Loss of form has coincided with the return of Andy Cook and Kavanagh – Cook is struggling following injury Widthofapost
- Low-scoring pattern – they're grinding out results rather than dominating
- Hard to beat – seven draws already this season
- Similarly smart in defence The72 Club
- Nothing to lose – mid-table with no pressure
- Dreadful away record (1W, 5D, 3L)
- Just lost 2-0 at home to struggling Blackpool Sky Sports – concerning collapse
- Lack of goals on the road
Prediction
This has draw written all over it. Both teams are defensive-first, low-scoring, and the H2H shows 4 draws from 6. Wigan's away form is almost exclusively draws, and Bradford are scraping results 1-0 without looking convincing.Bradford will have more of the ball at home but may struggle to break Wigan down. The Latics will sit deep and frustrate.
Likely result: Bradford City 1-0 or 1-1
Value angle: Under 2.5 Goals looks solid given both teams' profiles. BTTS "No" also worth considering given Wigan's struggles scoring away.
markfinn
Sire
Another win for the City Gents - quite remarkable what they have achieved since gaining promotion this season - all done without the great Andy Cook
Andy Cook - Bradford City Strike Rate
Cook is averaging 0.41 goals per game, which ranks him more prolific than 7 of the 11 players in Bradford’s all-time top scorer list.
During his peak 2022/23 season: He was finding the net once every 108 minutes he plays - almost a goal a game.
That 0.41 goals per game is solid for a League Two/League One striker, especially given he’s often been playing as a sole striker with limited service.
For context on his overall career productivity:
∙ Barrow: 47 goals in 87 league appearances (0.54 per game)
∙ Tranmere: 51 goals in 97 appearances (0.53 per game)
Clinical finisher who’s maintained that rate across multiple clubs and levels. There have been rumours about his future with the club but the manager announced yesterday that there is a continued place for him at the club - squad depth will be crucial as we approach the Easter run in - I really think a another promotion is a reality ?
Andy Cook - Bradford City Strike Rate
Cook is averaging 0.41 goals per game, which ranks him more prolific than 7 of the 11 players in Bradford’s all-time top scorer list.
During his peak 2022/23 season: He was finding the net once every 108 minutes he plays - almost a goal a game.
That 0.41 goals per game is solid for a League Two/League One striker, especially given he’s often been playing as a sole striker with limited service.
For context on his overall career productivity:
∙ Barrow: 47 goals in 87 league appearances (0.54 per game)
∙ Tranmere: 51 goals in 97 appearances (0.53 per game)
Clinical finisher who’s maintained that rate across multiple clubs and levels. There have been rumours about his future with the club but the manager announced yesterday that there is a continued place for him at the club - squad depth will be crucial as we approach the Easter run in - I really think a another promotion is a reality ?
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DuckandDive
Mare
Bradford v Port Vale @ 7.45pm
Am I missing something?
Bradford in-form at home, abeit content with 2-1, 2-0, 1-0 wins. Port Vale, bottom of the table (adrift), beaten 5-0 by Hudds away recently.
My predictor says 2-0, but the game could easily match the 5-0 recent scoreline.
Am I missing something?
Bradford in-form at home, abeit content with 2-1, 2-0, 1-0 wins. Port Vale, bottom of the table (adrift), beaten 5-0 by Hudds away recently.
My predictor says 2-0, but the game could easily match the 5-0 recent scoreline.
markfinn
Sire
Well after Saturdays result fellow newmy promoted Vale must be feeling desperate and will not want a repeat of that, so can they bounce back ?
Bradford City vs Port Vale - Monday 29 December 2025, 7:45pm
League positions:
∙ Bradford: 3rd (40 pts from 21 games, W11 D7 L3)
∙ Port Vale: Bottom (15 pts from 21 games, W3 D6 L12)
Key stats:
∙ Bradford: 31 scored, 21 conceded (+10 GD)
∙ Port Vale: 13 scored, 29 conceded (-16 GD)
∙ Bradford top scorer: Andy Cook (12 goals)
Recent form:
∙ Bradford: Won 4 of last 5, 3 consecutive home wins including 2-1 vs Wigan on Boxing Day
∙ Port Vale: Lost 4 of last 5, hammered 5-0 at Huddersfield on Boxing Day
H2H: Port Vale actually lead 9-5 with 8 draws historically, though this is their first League One meeting since February 2017.
Current odds: Bradford around 1.73-1.85, Draw 3.40, Port Vale 4.60
Bradford are flying after promotion from League Two last season - only 3 defeats all campaign. Port Vale (also promoted) are in freefall and look certainties for the drop. The 5-0 battering at Huddersfield two days ago suggests confidence is shot.
Straightforward home win. The only question is margin.
Bradford City vs Port Vale - Monday 29 December 2025, 7:45pm
League positions:
∙ Bradford: 3rd (40 pts from 21 games, W11 D7 L3)
∙ Port Vale: Bottom (15 pts from 21 games, W3 D6 L12)
Key stats:
∙ Bradford: 31 scored, 21 conceded (+10 GD)
∙ Port Vale: 13 scored, 29 conceded (-16 GD)
∙ Bradford top scorer: Andy Cook (12 goals)
Recent form:
∙ Bradford: Won 4 of last 5, 3 consecutive home wins including 2-1 vs Wigan on Boxing Day
∙ Port Vale: Lost 4 of last 5, hammered 5-0 at Huddersfield on Boxing Day
H2H: Port Vale actually lead 9-5 with 8 draws historically, though this is their first League One meeting since February 2017.
Current odds: Bradford around 1.73-1.85, Draw 3.40, Port Vale 4.60
Bradford are flying after promotion from League Two last season - only 3 defeats all campaign. Port Vale (also promoted) are in freefall and look certainties for the drop. The 5-0 battering at Huddersfield two days ago suggests confidence is shot.
Straightforward home win. The only question is margin.
markfinn
Sire
Big game on Saturday.
Match Analysis: Huddersfield Town vs Bradford City
Current Form
Bradford City (3rd, 46 pts):
∙ Lost 1-2 at home to Cardiff City on 17 Jan (Friday)
∙ Recent form: L-W-L-W-W
∙ 13 wins, 7 draws, 5 losses from 25 games
∙ Away form: inconsistent but capable
Huddersfield Town (5th, 39 pts):
∙ Lost 1-3 away to Burton Albion on 17 Jan (Friday)
∙ Manager Lee Grant sacked following this defeat
∙ Recent form: L-W-W-W-W (before Burton loss)
∙ Home form: 4W-1D-1L
Key Factors
1. Managerial Crisis at Huddersfield
The 3-1 defeat to relegation-threatened Burton triggered Lee Grant’s dismissal. Interim management creates uncertainty - players may respond with renewed effort or lack clear direction.
2. Home Advantage
Huddersfield at the John Smith’s Stadium typically perform well (4 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss at home). However, they’ve just conceded 3 to bottom-half Burton.
3. Head-to-Head
Historical record favours Huddersfield (6 wins vs Bradford’s 3 in 11 meetings). Average 2.45 goals per match in direct fixtures.
4. Bradford’s Promotion Push
Bradford are challenging for automatic promotion in their first League One season back. The Cardiff defeat will sting, but they’ve been resilient (13-7-5 record).
5. Goals
∙ Both teams average over 1.5 goals per game
∙ Huddersfield average 1.67 goals scored per match
∙ Bradford average 1.38 goals per match
∙ Over 2.5 goals likely given 61% of Huddersfield home games exceed this
Prediction
Bradford City to win 2-1
Reasoning:
1. Huddersfield in turmoil following manager sacking and poor performance against Burton
2. Bradford have stronger momentum despite Cardiff loss - they’re genuinely competing for promotion
3. Away team may exploit home uncertainty in transitional period
4. Both teams likely to score given attacking records
Alternative outcomes: Draw 1-1 or 2-2 (managerial change could galvanize Huddersfield), Bradford win 3-1
Odds spread (exponential scaling, favourite minimum 3.75):
∙ Bradford win: 3.75
∙ Draw: 5.00
∙ Huddersfield win: 6.50
Match Analysis: Huddersfield Town vs Bradford City
Current Form
Bradford City (3rd, 46 pts):
∙ Lost 1-2 at home to Cardiff City on 17 Jan (Friday)
∙ Recent form: L-W-L-W-W
∙ 13 wins, 7 draws, 5 losses from 25 games
∙ Away form: inconsistent but capable
Huddersfield Town (5th, 39 pts):
∙ Lost 1-3 away to Burton Albion on 17 Jan (Friday)
∙ Manager Lee Grant sacked following this defeat
∙ Recent form: L-W-W-W-W (before Burton loss)
∙ Home form: 4W-1D-1L
Key Factors
1. Managerial Crisis at Huddersfield
The 3-1 defeat to relegation-threatened Burton triggered Lee Grant’s dismissal. Interim management creates uncertainty - players may respond with renewed effort or lack clear direction.
2. Home Advantage
Huddersfield at the John Smith’s Stadium typically perform well (4 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss at home). However, they’ve just conceded 3 to bottom-half Burton.
3. Head-to-Head
Historical record favours Huddersfield (6 wins vs Bradford’s 3 in 11 meetings). Average 2.45 goals per match in direct fixtures.
4. Bradford’s Promotion Push
Bradford are challenging for automatic promotion in their first League One season back. The Cardiff defeat will sting, but they’ve been resilient (13-7-5 record).
5. Goals
∙ Both teams average over 1.5 goals per game
∙ Huddersfield average 1.67 goals scored per match
∙ Bradford average 1.38 goals per match
∙ Over 2.5 goals likely given 61% of Huddersfield home games exceed this
Prediction
Bradford City to win 2-1
Reasoning:
1. Huddersfield in turmoil following manager sacking and poor performance against Burton
2. Bradford have stronger momentum despite Cardiff loss - they’re genuinely competing for promotion
3. Away team may exploit home uncertainty in transitional period
4. Both teams likely to score given attacking records
Alternative outcomes: Draw 1-1 or 2-2 (managerial change could galvanize Huddersfield), Bradford win 3-1
Odds spread (exponential scaling, favourite minimum 3.75):
∙ Bradford win: 3.75
∙ Draw: 5.00
∙ Huddersfield win: 6.50
DuckandDive
Mare
Didn't realise the Hudds manager got the tin tack. Haven't factored that into the model. My tissue prices somehow match the Pinnacle odds, so no real value overall, maybe a smidge in the Home/Draw match odds. (Just checked Betfair, seems the market wants to lay Hudds).
As a 10 mile radius Yorkshire derby, both teams will be up for it, but a close affair. 1-0/1-1/0-0 appear likely.
As a 10 mile radius Yorkshire derby, both teams will be up for it, but a close affair. 1-0/1-1/0-0 appear likely.
markfinn
Sire
Yes he got the boot fans very set against the style and results - local Derby both teams “Feel” that they are big clubs ? / both have very good grounds and facilities that probably place them into league above - radio Leeds for some reason really seem to push for Huddersfield over Bradford ? Not understandable to me at least - anyway City need to bounce back and cannot see the Terriers being a harder team to beat than Cardiff - there might be the new / caretaker manager bounce back but hard to see them beating Bradford, sure to be a large travelling Bradford crowd to see them home .
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ThinkingAloud
Yearling
Enjoyed reading this thread, good luck with your model. Why did Bradford let Brandon Khela go?? just wondering, thought he was going to be semi decent.
DuckandDive
Mare
TBH, I don't follow Bradford that closely. The only stat I could see was he kept getting yellow carded, could of been his temperament?
markfinn
Sire
It was predictable yesterday, we move onto to Reading on Sat 28th it will not be easy so would take a draw at this point in the season
The robot says -
Reading have been inconsistent under Leam Richardson (appointed October 2025). They beat Stockport County 1-0 at home in early January and recorded back-to-back clean sheets, before drawing 1-1 with Peterborough more recently. Wikipedia Home form has been reasonable; away form has been poor all season.
Reading:Lewis Wing leads Reading's scoring with 8 goals and Jack Marriott has contributed 7, with Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan chipping in with 4. FCTables
Bradford — Pennington remains out with a long-term hamstring injury. Pointon returned from suspension recently and is expected to start. Baldwin, Kelly and Wright likely in defence.
Reading — Jacob (loan left-back) remains absent. Marriott managing his return from a hamstring injury; Ehibhatiomhan likely to lead the line. Fraser, Lane and Elliott fitness doubts.
Bradford's slight concern is that their last five results show vulnerability against top-half sides (beaten by Lincoln and Luton), while Reading have shown they can grind out results — the big 1-0 win over Stockport being evidence of their ability to nick tight games at home.
Bradford's season stats show 26 goals scored vs 18 conceded, while Reading have 21 scored and 22 conceded ESPN — Bradford are clearly the stronger side on the numbers.
Prediction: Reading 1-2 Bradford City (though 1-1 is equally plausible given the form of both sides at present).
The robot says -
League Table Context
Bradford sit 4th in League One with 55 points from 31 matches (16W, 7D, 8L) AiScore, although an earlier snapshot had them 3rd. Reading are currently around 10th place with 10 wins, 9 draws and 10 defeats from 29 matches — goal difference roughly neutral. FCTables Bradford are firmly in the promotion hunt; Reading are mid-table consolidation territory.Recent Form
Bradford City have been inconsistent but picked up. Their last five league results include a 0-3 loss to Lincoln City, a 1-0 win over Doncaster, a 1-2 defeat to Luton, a 2-0 win over Peterborough, and a 1-0 win over Stockport County — three wins from five. FotMobReading have been inconsistent under Leam Richardson (appointed October 2025). They beat Stockport County 1-0 at home in early January and recorded back-to-back clean sheets, before drawing 1-1 with Peterborough more recently. Wikipedia Home form has been reasonable; away form has been poor all season.
Key Players
Bradford City:Bobby Pointon and Antoni Sarcevic are joint-top scorers with 8 league goals each, while Stephen Humphrys leads the line. Max Power (rated 7.35) has been their standout performer. Josh Neufville and Max Power are the chief creators with 5 assists each. FotMobReading:Lewis Wing leads Reading's scoring with 8 goals and Jack Marriott has contributed 7, with Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan chipping in with 4. FCTables
Team News
Based on the most recent available information:Bradford — Pennington remains out with a long-term hamstring injury. Pointon returned from suspension recently and is expected to start. Baldwin, Kelly and Wright likely in defence.
Reading — Jacob (loan left-back) remains absent. Marriott managing his return from a hamstring injury; Ehibhatiomhan likely to lead the line. Fraser, Lane and Elliott fitness doubts.
Match Analysis
This is a tough away day for Bradford. Reading at home are a different proposition to their poor away form — Richardson has stabilised the side since taking charge in late October. Wikipedia However, Bradford's quality in the final third is greater, with Pointon and Sarcevic's goal returns particularly impressive for League One.Bradford's slight concern is that their last five results show vulnerability against top-half sides (beaten by Lincoln and Luton), while Reading have shown they can grind out results — the big 1-0 win over Stockport being evidence of their ability to nick tight games at home.
Bradford's season stats show 26 goals scored vs 18 conceded, while Reading have 21 scored and 22 conceded ESPN — Bradford are clearly the stronger side on the numbers.
Verdict
Bradford should have enough quality to take something from this game, and they're the form team on paper. Expect a tight, competitive match — both sides capable of scoring. A narrow Bradford win or a draw is the most likely outcome. If Marriott is fit and influential, Reading could nick it, but their home record isn't strong enough to make them favourites against a promotion-chasing Bradford side.Prediction: Reading 1-2 Bradford City (though 1-1 is equally plausible given the form of both sides at present).