Bradford vs Grimsby Prediction: Mariners to get pecked by the chickens

Bradford City have enjoyed a flying start to the League 1 campaign, but now they turn their attention to the EFL Trophy as they host Grimsby Town (19:30, Sky Sports+) on Tuesday night. 

It’s only early September, but already Grimsby have had one of their most historic nights as last week they dumped Manchester United out of the Carabao Cup on penalties. Below you can find my Bradford vs Grimsby predictions featuring team news and betting tips.

Team News

As always with the EFL Trophy, we can expect a raft of changes from both managers as they prioritise the upcoming league fixtures. Bradford boss Graham Alexander can call upon some players that need minutes for this one, including Nick Powell, Will Swann and Ciaran Kelly. 

Promotion hero Antoni Sarcevic may also be handed a start having been named on the bench at the weekend, while Bradley Halliday should play at full-back. Joe Hilton should play in goal, while I’d expect Jenson Metcalfe to get some minutes in midfield while deadline day arrival Tom McIntyre could also be thrown straight in. 

Football Odds

Today's Football Fixtures

Grimsby lost at home to Bristol Rovers at the weekend but I’d still expect David Artell to rotate. Neo Eccleston joined on loan from Huddersfield Town yesterday and could play at right-back, while Danny Rose, Cameron Gardner and Clarke Odour should also start. 

Former Chelsea youngster George McEachran may get some more minutes while 18-year-old goalkeeper Seb Auton could make his second senior appearance for the club. 

Bradford vs Grimsby Odds

Bradford are priced at 8/11 to win this game in 90 minutes, giving them an implied win probability of 58%. Grimsby of League 2 are 10/3 to take the win in 90 minutes, while a draw that would lead to penalties is 5/2.

Over 2.5 goals is 5/6, BTTS is 4/5 and Bradford are 2/1 to win to nil. 

Bradford to win @ 8/11

I’m pretty confident in backing this Bradford side to continue their unbeaten start to the season on Tuesday. Obviously Grimsby took all the headlines against Manchester United and rightly so, while they’ve also been competitive in League 2, getting 11 points on the board after six matches. 

Artell’s side are a threat from set pieces, but Bradford have been class so far this season, winning four and drawing two in the league. They have also beaten two Championship teams in the Carabao Cup, overcoming Blackburn Rovers and Stoke City away from home - with the 3-0 win at Stoke particularly eye-catching. Even with rotation, they should be able to keep this train rolling with another victory. 

Price Boost - Bradford to win and over 2.5 goals @ 2/1

I think there’s a good chance we see plenty of goals at Valley Parade as well as a home win. There have been over 2.5 goals in five of the last six Bradford games, as the chickens continue to peck all comers in league and cup. 

Meanwhile Grimsby have seen over 2.5 goals in five of their eight fixtures in all competitions, including in both Carabao Cup matches where they made significant changes to the starting XI. Let’s back goals and another Bradford win using this Price Boost. 

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