26th Aug. England League Cup - Stoke City VS Bradford City Prediction
England League Cup - Stoke City VS Bradford City
Match Time:27-08-2025 02:45 Wednesday (GMT+8)
Football Livescore | Match Prediction & Tips
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Stoke City
Stoke City, managed by Mark Robins, is 2nd in the EFL Championship with 6 points after two convincing wins: 3-1 over Derby County and 3-0 at Sheffield Wednesday on August 16, 2025. Their recent form includes four wins and one draw in five competitive matches, averaging 2.0 goals scored and 0.4 conceded, including a 0-0 draw (4-3 penalty win) against Walsall in the EFL Cup first round on August 12, 2025. Key players include Million Manhoef (1 goal, 1 assist), Eric-Junior Bocat, and Lewis Baker, with a probable 4-2-3-1 lineup: Johansson; Tchamadeu, Wilmot, Cresswell, Bocat; Baker, Seko; Thomas, Jun-Ho, Manhoef; Mmaee. Strengths include their attacking momentum (6 goals in 2 Championship games) and defensive solidity (2 clean sheets in 5), but injuries to Lamine Cissé (shoulder) and doubts over Ben Pearson’s fitness, plus a historical tendency for tight cup games, are concerns. They aim to maintain their unbeaten run and advance, leveraging their strong start and home advantage.
Bradford City
Bradford City, led by Graham Alexander, is 8th in League One with 7 points after a 2-1 win at Luton Town and a 1-1 draw at Peterborough United on August 23, 2025. Their recent form shows three wins, one draw, and one loss in five matches, averaging 1.8 goals scored and 0.8 conceded, including a 2-1 EFL Cup first-round win over Blackburn Rovers on August 12, 2025. Key players include Mathew Stevens (2 goals), Andy Cook, and Ibrahima Touray, with a probable 4-2-3-1 lineup: Walker; Halliday, Kelly, Platt, Richards; Sarcevic, Smallwood; Pointon, Cook, Wright; Stevens. Strengths include their attacking consistency (scored in all 5 recent games) and recent cup success, but injuries to Omar Bugiel (doubtful) and a poor historical record against Stoke (2-1-4 in last 7) are issues. They aim to pull off an upset, building on their recent away form (2-1-0 in last 3 away games).
Head-to-Head
As detailed in the web sources, Stoke and Bradford have met 7 times since 1998, with Stoke winning 4, Bradford 2, and 1 draw. Recent results include a 2-0 Stoke win on May 1, 2004, and a 1-0 Stoke win on November 22, 2003, both in the Championship. At bet365 Stadium, Stoke have won 2 of their last 3 home games against Bradford, with a 2-1 victory in 2002. Matches average 2.3 goals, with 43% both teams scoring (BTTS) and 43% over 2.5 goals. Their last meeting was in 2004, and this is their first EFL Cup encounter, with Stoke holding a psychological edge from past home wins.
Predicted Score: Stoke City 2-1 Bradford City
Stoke’s Manhoef and Mmaee face Bradford’s Stevens and Cook, with Stoke’s Championship form and home strength tested by Bradford’s attacking consistency and cup resilience. Stoke are favorites (1.80 odds, 55% win probability) over Bradford (4.20), with a draw at 3.60, per web sources. Trends (Stoke: 40% over 2.5 goals; Bradford: 60% BTTS) and H2H suggest a competitive game, with betting tips favoring Stoke to win (1.80) and both teams to score (1.72). Cards may be issued in the 18°C evening, with Stoke’s 10 fouls and Bradford’s 11 per game suggesting 3-4 cards. Stoke aim to continue their strong start, while Bradford seek a League One upset. Stoke may score through Manhoef or Mmaee, with Stevens likely netting for Bradford. Stoke’s home form and higher league quality should secure a narrow win, aligning with their H2H edge and recent dominance, though Bradford’s scoring form keeps it close.
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