Rotherham vs Bradford Prediction: Millers can make it to the semi-finals

A pair of Yorkshire rivals clash in the quarter-finals of the EFL Trophy on Tuesday (19:30, Sky Sports+) as Bradford City make the trip to Rotherham United. The League 1 Millers won 1-0 when the pair faced off at Valley Parade in Group H and meet again, this time at the New York Stadium, with the winner going on to the last four.

League 2 City reached the semis last term, losing 1-0 at home to Wycombe, and have never won this tournament. Rotherham lifted the trophy in 1995/96 and 2021/22 and the higher-ranked side are favoured to continue their quest for a third overall victory. Read on for my Rotherham vs Bradford prediction, alongside team news and match odds.

Team News

Rotherham's match-winner earlier in the season, Shaun McWilliams, is sidelined with a hamstring injury, although reports suggest the issue is not as serious as first thought and he could return to training this week.

A calf problem is likely to rule Jonson Clarke-Harris out, while Alex MacDonald has a groin strain.

Football Odds

With Andy Cooks's knee injury ruling him out for the campaign, Bradford's season could hinge on finding a regular source of goals and Calum Kavanagh is again expected to lead the line.

Rotherham vs Bradford Odds

Rotherham are 11/10 to win the game in 90 minutes, giving the hosts an implied probability of 47.6%, with a draw, which would send the pair to penalties, priced at 9/4 and Bradford the 21/10 (32.3%)  underdogs.

A repeat of a 1-0 victory in the Millers' favour is 6/1.

Rotherham United to win @ 11/10

Rotherham were the winners back in November and can grab another victory. They lost 2-1 at League 1 leaders Birmingham at the weekend but while they only sit 15th in the table, remain within touching distance of the play-off places.

However, this competition could be a handy contingency if they miss out on the top six and Steve Evans will be keen to add this cup to his CV.

City's eight-game unbeaten run was ended by Saturday's 1-0 defeat at AFC Wimbledon and the absence of Cook is clearly problematic, as he is among the few players boasting that cutting edge in the final third.

Bradford do have a strong defensive record - conceding 28 goals in as many games - but Graham Alexander's side lacks penetration and could be frustrated in South Yorkshire.

Highest scoring half - Second Half @ 11/10

City's decent defence might lead to a cagey affair, so the game will likely feature a quiet first half before things open up in the second.

More goals have been scored in the second half of Rotherham's last two outings and two of the Millers' three home matches in this competition.

Draw/Rotherham in half-time/full-time is 9/2, but it might be safer to aim at the 11/10 on offer for more goals in the second half for the third match in a row featuring Evans' side.

Offers

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