Bradford City
- Thread starter markfinn
- Start date
markfinn
Sire
BIG ONE TONIGHT
Bradford are six points clear of Argyle at the moment, but that could become three with an away win, and Cleverley's men have the superior goal difference. Argyle Life
Form: D L W W L D — patchy by their early-season standards.
Form: W W L W D W — clearly the form team going into this.
For Plymouth, Brendan Wiredu, Bradley Ibrahim and Herbie Kane remain sidelined, but no fresh injuries either. Sports Mole
Bradford likely XI: Walker; Wright, Baldwin, Tilt; Neufville, Metcalfe, Power, Touray; Sarcevic, Humphrys, Jackson
Plymouth likely XI: Hazard; Edwards, Ross, Mitchell, Harding; Curtis, Watts, Boateng, Dale; Tolaj
The consensus from most previews is a competitive draw, though Bradford's home advantage and the playoff-confirming incentive gives them the edge as slight favourites.
Likely outcome: Bradford win or draw — Plymouth have come far too late in the season to be confident of going to Valley Parade and taking three points, but they're capable of it.
Bradford City vs Plymouth Argyle — League One, Tue 21 April, 7:45pm
The Stakes
This is a massive game for both sides. Bradford enter sitting fourth in League One, knowing a win will confirm their place in the playoffs this season. Sports Mole Plymouth are currently seventh, only two points behind Stevenage who occupy the final playoff place Sports Mole — so a win for the visitors would put them right in the mix.Bradford are six points clear of Argyle at the moment, but that could become three with an away win, and Cleverley's men have the superior goal difference. Argyle Life
Bradford's Situation
The hosts will feel they should have won their Yorkshire derby against Barnsley, going into the final minutes leading 2-1 before conceding a late equaliser. Sports Mole After losing 1-0 to Stevenage in their last home outing, Bradford are looking to avoid successive home league defeats for the first time since March 2024. Sports MoleForm: D L W W L D — patchy by their early-season standards.
Plymouth's Situation
Tom Cleverley's side are in fine form, winning three of their last five league games, including a 3-1 victory last time out against AFC Wimbledon. Sports MoleForm: W W L W D W — clearly the form team going into this.
Head to Head
Since 1995, Plymouth have won just one of their six away league games against Bradford City. Bradford won the reverse fixture 1-0 in December and are looking to complete a league double over Plymouth for the first time since 1994-95. Sports MoleTeam News
Bradford will be hopeful Antoni Sarcevic, their leading goalscorer, makes a return to the starting lineup. No fresh injury concerns after the Barnsley game. Sports MoleFor Plymouth, Brendan Wiredu, Bradley Ibrahim and Herbie Kane remain sidelined, but no fresh injuries either. Sports Mole
Bradford likely XI: Walker; Wright, Baldwin, Tilt; Neufville, Metcalfe, Power, Touray; Sarcevic, Humphrys, Jackson
Plymouth likely XI: Hazard; Edwards, Ross, Mitchell, Harding; Curtis, Watts, Boateng, Dale; Tolaj
Analysis
Bradford's home record remains their foundation — they've won 21 League One games and lost only three at home all season. The72 Club However Plymouth are arguably the form side in the division right now and won't fear Valley Parade. Bradford's average possession has climbed above 50% this season and Argyle under Cleverley have been very effective without the ball in 2026 Argyle Life, so Plymouth could be well set up to frustrate and hit on the counter.The consensus from most previews is a competitive draw, though Bradford's home advantage and the playoff-confirming incentive gives them the edge as slight favourites.
Likely outcome: Bradford win or draw — Plymouth have come far too late in the season to be confident of going to Valley Parade and taking three points, but they're capable of it.
markfinn
Sire
well its been a great season but fans being what they want everything - this a great finale filled with jeopardy and hope
This is a massive final-day fixture with huge stakes at both ends of the table.
Exeter City vs Bradford City — Saturday 2 May, 3pm, St James Park
What's at stake
Only a win on the final day will suffice (alongside favourable results elsewhere) for Exeter in the race for survival, while Bradford need just a point to guarantee they hold onto a playoff position. An afternoon of high drama at St James Park is in the works. LiveScore
Exeter head into the final day with a chance of escaping the bottom four. Hovering just above the drop zone are Leyton Orient, who were beaten by Blackpool. Also in danger are Peterborough United. Yorkshire Post
Bradford's form
Bradford could only draw 1-1 with Bolton last weekend, meaning their battle for a playoff place goes down to the final day. They'll be hoping to avoid being leapfrogged by Stevenage and Luton. After three consecutive League One stalemates, the Bantams are only three points clear of seventh-placed Luton with an inferior goal difference. Yorkshire PostWhoScored
Team news
Matthew Pennington suffered a hamstring injury against Bolton, with Aden Baldwin expected to come into the back three. Antoni Sarcevic should replace Jenson Metcalfe in an attacking change, while Stephen Humphrys and Will Swan are competing for a spot in the final third. Sports Mole
Assessment
Bradford need just a draw to be safe for the playoffs, which shapes how they'll likely set up — cautious and hard to beat. Exeter need to win, which suits Bradford sitting back. The incentives don't fully align for an open game, but with Exeter desperate and the crowd sold out, it could get feisty.
For Bradford, a point is the goal — anything more is a bonus.
This is a massive final-day fixture with huge stakes at both ends of the table.
Exeter City vs Bradford City — Saturday 2 May, 3pm, St James Park
What's at stake
Only a win on the final day will suffice (alongside favourable results elsewhere) for Exeter in the race for survival, while Bradford need just a point to guarantee they hold onto a playoff position. An afternoon of high drama at St James Park is in the works. LiveScore
Exeter head into the final day with a chance of escaping the bottom four. Hovering just above the drop zone are Leyton Orient, who were beaten by Blackpool. Also in danger are Peterborough United. Yorkshire Post
Bradford's form
Bradford could only draw 1-1 with Bolton last weekend, meaning their battle for a playoff place goes down to the final day. They'll be hoping to avoid being leapfrogged by Stevenage and Luton. After three consecutive League One stalemates, the Bantams are only three points clear of seventh-placed Luton with an inferior goal difference. Yorkshire PostWhoScored
Team news
Matthew Pennington suffered a hamstring injury against Bolton, with Aden Baldwin expected to come into the back three. Antoni Sarcevic should replace Jenson Metcalfe in an attacking change, while Stephen Humphrys and Will Swan are competing for a spot in the final third. Sports Mole
Assessment
Bradford need just a draw to be safe for the playoffs, which shapes how they'll likely set up — cautious and hard to beat. Exeter need to win, which suits Bradford sitting back. The incentives don't fully align for an open game, but with Exeter desperate and the crowd sold out, it could get feisty.
For Bradford, a point is the goal — anything more is a bonus.
This is a massive final-day fixture with huge stakes at both ends of the table.
Exeter City vs Bradford City — Saturday 2 May, 3pm, St James Park
What's at stake
Only a win on the final day will suffice (alongside favourable results elsewhere) for Exeter in the race for survival, while Bradford need just a point to guarantee they hold onto a playoff position. An afternoon of high drama at St James Park is in the works. LiveScore
Exeter head into the final day with a chance of escaping the bottom four. Hovering just above the drop zone are Leyton Orient, who were beaten by Blackpool. Also in danger are Peterborough United. Yorkshire Post
Bradford's form
Bradford could only draw 1-1 with Bolton last weekend, meaning their battle for a playoff place goes down to the final day. They'll be hoping to avoid being leapfrogged by Stevenage and Luton. After three consecutive League One stalemates, the Bantams are only three points clear of seventh-placed Luton with an inferior goal difference. Yorkshire PostWhoScored
Team news
Matthew Pennington suffered a hamstring injury against Bolton, with Aden Baldwin expected to come into the back three. Antoni Sarcevic should replace Jenson Metcalfe in an attacking change, while Stephen Humphrys and Will Swan are competing for a spot in the final third. Sports Mole
Assessment
Bradford need just a draw to be safe for the playoffs, which shapes how they'll likely set up — cautious and hard to beat. Exeter need to win, which suits Bradford sitting back. The incentives don't fully align for an open game, but with Exeter desperate and the crowd sold out, it could get feisty.
For Bradford, a point is the goal — anything more is a bonus.
This is a massive final-day fixture with huge stakes at both ends of the table.
Exeter City vs Bradford City — Saturday 2 May, 3pm, St James Park
What's at stake
Only a win on the final day will suffice (alongside favourable results elsewhere) for Exeter in the race for survival, while Bradford need just a point to guarantee they hold onto a playoff position. An afternoon of high drama at St James Park is in the works. LiveScore
Exeter head into the final day with a chance of escaping the bottom four. Hovering just above the drop zone are Leyton Orient, who were beaten by Blackpool. Also in danger are Peterborough United. Yorkshire Post
Bradford's form
Bradford could only draw 1-1 with Bolton last weekend, meaning their battle for a playoff place goes down to the final day. They'll be hoping to avoid being leapfrogged by Stevenage and Luton. After three consecutive League One stalemates, the Bantams are only three points clear of seventh-placed Luton with an inferior goal difference. Yorkshire PostWhoScored
Team news
Matthew Pennington suffered a hamstring injury against Bolton, with Aden Baldwin expected to come into the back three. Antoni Sarcevic should replace Jenson Metcalfe in an attacking change, while Stephen Humphrys and Will Swan are competing for a spot in the final third. Sports Mole
Assessment
Bradford need just a draw to be safe for the playoffs, which shapes how they'll likely set up — cautious and hard to beat. Exeter need to win, which suits Bradford sitting back. The incentives don't fully align for an open game, but with Exeter desperate and the crowd sold out, it could get feisty.
For Bradford, a point is the goal — anything more is a bonus.
markfinn
Sire
Well quite some season.
Bradford City’s 2024–25 League Two season:
46 games played: 22 Won, 12 Drawn, 12 Lost — 78 points, promoted .
This will be harder but let’s see Tonight they are playing away - Sheffield Wed at Hillsborough in front of 35000 paying customers ? Got to be intimidating , missed the previews etc as been away but currently 1 nil up so great start . Hopefully posting some previews before each game this season.
Bradford City’s 2024–25 League Two season:
46 games played: 22 Won, 12 Drawn, 12 Lost — 78 points, promoted .
This will be harder but let’s see Tonight they are playing away - Sheffield Wed at Hillsborough in front of 35000 paying customers ? Got to be intimidating , missed the previews etc as been away but currently 1 nil up so great start . Hopefully posting some previews before each game this season.
It was a good win last night and an enjoyable game. To go away and come home with three points in the first game of a new season is a real boost, especially against local rivals who still consider themselves a big club. I thought Bradford grew into the game but we rode our luck and how Lowe missed that last kick of the match chance is beyond me. Still, three points is three points and it is a very acceptable start. 
markfinn
Sire
been very distracted of late but they are going well - have yet to to get my head around the manager leaving such a successful team - he built it to play his way ?
could not ask for more
Today we play Orient at home 3pm
Bradford should be winners, but not by a wide margin: one data model puts it at roughly 46% Bradford, 25% draw, 28% Orient. sportsmole
Why Bradford:
could not ask for more
Today we play Orient at home 3pm
Bradford should be winners, but not by a wide margin: one data model puts it at roughly 46% Bradford, 25% draw, 28% Orient. sportsmole
Why Bradford:
- League position: They are second in League One, level on points with leaders Plymouth, with five wins, a draw and two defeats from eight games. sportsmole
- Recent meetings: They have beaten Orient in the last two, 3-1 away in the Carabao Cup on 8 September and 2-1 at home in March. statz
- Orient’s form: They are mid-table with three wins, one draw and four defeats, and lost 2-0 at home to Plymouth last weekend. sportsmolesportsmole
- Managerial change: Bradford have a new manager, Duff, taking over from Alexander, so today is his first game in charge.
- Goals: Bradford have scored only 8 to Orient’s 13, so Orient are capable of scoring. The same model rates both teams scoring at about 57%. sportsmole
Well, by all accounts that was a turgid affair. Orient parked the bus and Bradford, despite dominating possession, continued their habit of being unable to score. City are a good team, but the new Manager is probably going to have to revert to his favoured 3-5-2 formation to help ease the goal drought. Definitely 2 points dropped today. Preston were beaten at home today and sit bottom of the league. Makes you think.
markfinn
Sire
I was thinking in the circs telating to the manager - The draw odds were well worth taking - not that I did bet but it made me look twice
markfinn
Sire
Early days for Duff - is promotion a realistic end to this season, not sure that it’s even desirable they need to consolidate and build towards thex2028 - 29 season - a couple of big money pay ties would be nice for the club.