Bradford City vs Middlesbrough predictions for Tuesday’s Carabao Cup tie. Bradford City welcome Middlesbrough to the University of Bradford Stadium on Tuesday evening, for the EFL Cup’s third round tie. Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.
[wptb id=398933]
Match Live Tuesday, 26th September at 7:45 pm In:
Bradford City vs Middlesbrough Predictions
[wptb id=395161]
A Clash of Desire and Redemption in the EFL Cup
Key Stats
– Middlesbrough have conceded 15 goals in their Championship campaign, indicating a frail defence.
– Andy Cook, with an impressive 7.38 BettingTips4You Expert Rating, is Bradford’s player to watch.
It’s been a lengthy pause since Bradford City and Middlesbrough locked horns in a competitive fixture. Travelling back to 2001, fans from both sides would recall a thrilling 1-1 stalemate in the Premier League. Fast forward to the present, the two will meet again, but this time, in the third round of the EFL Cup.
Bradford City’s Steady Rise
Bradford City, under the tutelage of Mark Hughes, haven’t set the world alight but have shown commendable resilience in their League Two journey so far. Having accumulated 13 points from nine appearances, they sit just two shy of playoff contention. Recent form indicates a resurgence in their camp, demonstrated by a six-game unbeaten streak across all competitions. Notably, though, half of these fixtures ended in draws, like their most recent 1-1 encounter against Harrogate Town.
[wptb id=388759]
Interestingly, the Bantams’ form has been more pronounced away from their home turf. After triumphing over Accrington Stanley and Wrexham in the EFL Cup’s initial rounds, their impressive 4-1 victory against Newport County further underscored their away dominance.
Middlesbrough’s Struggles and Hopes
Middlesbrough, managed by ex-Manchester United star Michael Carrick, find themselves in a contrasting scenario. Despite playing two tiers above Bradford, they’ve failed to meet expectations, languishing in the Championship’s relegation zone. Their defensive frailties have been exposed in various fixtures, as seen in their defeats to Coventry City and West Bromwich Albion.
However, there are glimmers of hope. Their recent successes in the EFL Cup, especially the 3-1 win against Bolton Wanderers, and their morale-boosting victory against Southampton, are encouraging signs.
Tactical Insights & Squad Alterations
While Bradford will be eager to maintain their momentum, Hughes might opt for slight tweaks in his lineup, considering their recent match just three days prior. Eyes will be on Emmanuel Osadebe and Taylor Smith as potential changes.
On the opposite end, Carrick, considering the difference in league positions, might make wholesale changes. Tom Glover is touted to replace Seny Dieng as the shot-stopper, with the squad remaining largely fit except for the absence of Anfernee Dijksteel and Matt Clarke.
Analytical Dive into Expected Goals
Bradford City, with an average of 1.1 goals scored per match, demonstrates a balanced offensive and defensive record, netting 10 goals while conceding 9 in their League Two campaign. Middlesbrough’s statistics show a more skewed picture. Despite managing 0.9 goals on average, their defensive woes are evident, conceding 15 goals in their Championship journey.
Predictions for the Clash
1. Match Outcome Prediction: Drawing on the current form and league standings, it seems justified to predict a ‘both teams to score’ scenario. Bradford, despite being in League Two, is on an upswing, while Middlesbrough’s defence has shown vulnerabilities.
2. Correct Score Prediction: Given both teams’ recent performances and the evident defensive issues of Middlesbrough, a 2-2 draw seems plausible.
3. Goalscorer Prediction: Andy Cook, boasting an impressive 7.38 BettingTips4You Expert Rating, is a prime candidate from Bradford to find the net. From the Middlesbrough camp, with a goal in his last outing, Riley McGree seems a likely contender.
[wptb id=395161]
Top UK Bookies & Best Sign Up Offers
[wptb id=389092]
Subscribe To Our Newsletter For Exclusive Tips
Want to have exclusive tips from experts tipsters delivered right into your inbox? Subscribe Now To Our Newsletter. We will never spam, we fully respect your privacy!
