Bradford vs Newcastle U21 Prediction: Bantams for the victory

Bradford City play host to Newcastle United Under-21s in the EFL Trophy for their Group H opener on Tuesday (19:30, Sky Sports+). The Bantams' unbeaten start to the season in League 2 came to an end against Grimsby Town at the weekend, so they will be eager to deliver a response here.

The Magpies' youngsters were beaten by Derby County on Friday, and they too will be looking to bounce back while testing themselves against senior opposition. Read on for my Bradford vs Newcastle U21 prediction. 

Bradford vs Newcastle U21 Odds

*Please click on the link above to be taken to the main Bradford vs Newcastle U21 page on betfred.com (or app) for all the live betting prices on this match.

Bradford are 8/15 to win this match in 90 minutes, giving them an implied probability of 65.2%. Newcastle United Under-21s are 4/1 to get the away win, which gives them a 20% chance. The draw can be backed at 3/1 (25%).

Both teams to score is available at 4/7 and over 2.5 goals is on offer at 1/2.

Football Odds

Team News

The hosts lost summer signing Aden Baldwin nine minutes into the game at the weekend due to a hamstring injury, and it is feared that he will be out for some time.

Jack Shepherd was his replacement in that match and could be in line to start on Tuesday in his stead. However, Lewis Richards and Cheick Diabate will try and compete for that spot on the team sheet.

Olly Sanderson was the Bantams' goalscorer on Saturday and he has put himself into consideration for a start here. He could come into the side for Calum Kavanagh.

Newcastle will be forced into at least one change in midfield after Jamie Miley was loaned out to Newport County following his involvement in the defeat to the Rams. James Huntley looks to be the most likely candidate to take his place.

Under 2.5 goals @ 6/4

Newcastle's matches in the Premier League 2 this term have all been under 2.5 goals and I expect this trend to continue on Tuesday. The Magpies also don't have a favourable record in this competition and so I think if there are goals in this contest, they will come from Bradford.

Graham Alexander's side, bar the Grimsby defeat, have started their league campaign strongly with seven points from four matches.  Two of their matches in all competitions have seen less than three goals scored and I do think they could be in for a third here.

Alexander could make several changes for this clash ahead of an important league meeting with struggling Carlisle United at the weekend, but even with rotation, the Bantams have enough quality to provide a tough test for Newcastle.

 Bradford to win @ 8/15

Over the past six years, this competition has not served as a confidence-booster for Newcastle's young players, and I think they are deep into this trend now and it won't be easy to sort.

That is why I am backing the hosts to win here as it has been a long time since a young Newcastle side fared well in the EFL Trophy. After tasting their first defeat of the season, it is probably not the best time to get thrown in the deep end against a strong League 2 side, stacked with experienced stars, and who are one of the favourites for promotion from the fourth tier.

The Bantams also experienced their first loss at the weekend, but that only looks to be a blip for them and I am confident that they can bounce back on Tuesday. Alexander is a very experienced coach and he has a strong squad at his disposal, and I think they can hand a valuable lesson to the young Magpies about the step up from academy to senior football.

Bradford have played two games on home soil in all competitions so far and they are yet to be beaten. Alexander and his players will want to make the University of Bradford Stadium a fortress this year as they have lofty ambitions. I expect this to continue against Newcastle and I think they will register their second consecutive victory at this ground.

Offers

Acca Flex: Place a pre-match 5+ leg Football accumulator and get a CASH bonus up to 100% if all of your selections win or your money back as CASH if one leg lets you down.