Bradford City host Huddersfield Town this weekend for the first league meeting between the two sides in over a decade. With both sides having experienced contrasting league positions in the EFL’s prior years, a meeting between the two sides arguably is rare.
The University of Bradford Stadium will be packed out with over 20,000 fans in attendance making the prospect of this match arguably tasty and exciting.
With this in mind, and following our analysis about which team is bigger, this preview aims to give you an insight into the two teams, their squads, potential line-ups and will have a prediction at the end.
Bradford City
In their first season since 2019 in EFL League One, the Bantams have lost just one game against Doncaster Rovers last weekend. But, they have picked up victories against Wycombe Wanderers, Luton Town, Stockport County and AFC Wimbledon.
These results, amongst others, see Graham Alexander’s side sit fifth in the EFL League One table with 14 points – just 36 away from the magic 50 point mark.
The success of Bradford City arguably, in large part, comes down to their summer recruitment which saw City sign eleven players including Stephen Humphrys and Max Power. Experience in this division is essential and Graham Alexander’s side have that in excess.
Huddersfield Town
Since relegation from the EFL Championship in the 2023-24 season, Huddersfield Town have arguably struggled to adjust to life in the English third tier. Last season, a defeat to Cambridge Town in front of the home faithful summarized what was a disappointing season.
Now, following a summer of change at the club which has seen the Terriers sign 15 players including Marcus Harness and Alfie May, Town sit third in the EFL League One table but have lost two games this season.
The Terriers are also the top scorers in the division this season with 14 goals in seven goals, an average of two goals per game. Combined with Bradford’s eleven goals this season, a high-scoring affair may be in store.
Key Statistics
- Huddersfield Town have kept four clean sheets this season, the third most of any team in the division. Meanwhile, Bradford City have kept just one clean sheet.
- Bradford striker Will Swan has scored an average of 1.25 goals per 90 minutes this campaign. Huddersfield striker Joe Taylor ranks fifth in this stat with an average of 0.87 goals per 90.
- Bradford City are one of 13 sides to not receive a red card this season. In contrast, Huddersfield Town have picked up a singular red card with this falling against Barnsley.
- The two sides have both picked up 15 yellow cards during their seven games this campaign.
- Graham Alexander’s side have averaged 4.3 shots on target per match this season. Lee Grant’s side have averaged slightly more with 5.1 shots.
Head To Head Record
As mentioned, it has been over a decade since these two sides have met in the league. But, this doesn’t mean they haven’t met before.
The last five meetings between the two sides have had these score-lines (11v11.com):
- League Cup – 6th August 2013: Huddersfield Town 2-1 Bradford City
- Johnstones Paint Trophy – 4th October 2011: Huddersfield Town 2-2 Bradford City (Bradford win on penalties.)
- League Cup – 12th August 2008: Huddersfield Town 4-0 Bradford City
- League One – 10th March 2007: Huddersfield Town 2-0 Bradford City
- League One – 7th October 2006: Bradford City 0-1 Huddersfield Town
Predicted XIs
Bradford City
Graham Alexander’s side set up in a 3-4-2-1 formation during their 3-1 defeat to Doncaster Rovers last weekend. But, with this match ending in defeat and will the possibility of players returning, we have gone with this line-up:
- GK: Sam Walker
- LWB: Ibou Touray
- CB: Ciaran Kelly
- CB: Joe Wright
- CB: Curtis Tilt
- RWB: Josh Neuvfille
- CM: Max Power (C)
- CM: Alex Pattison
- LAM: Stephen Humphrys
- RAM: Antoni Sarcevic
- ST: Will Swan
Huddersfield Town
During their comeback 3-2 win against Peterborough United, Lee Grant played in a 4-2-3-1 formation, similar to that played at his previous club Ipswich Town in their match against Derby County.
With this match ending in a win, similarity, solidity and consistency may be the aim. Therefore, we have chosen these players to start at the University of Bradford Stadium:
- GK: Lee Nicholls
- LB: Sean Roughan
- CB: Joseph Low
- CB: Jack Whatmough
- RB: Lasse Sorensen
- CM: Herbie Kane
- CM : Ryan Ledson
- LAM: Ruben Rookon
- CAM: Marcus Harness
- RAM: Ben Wiles
- ST: Joe Taylor
Our Prediction
Both sides will be aiming to win this fiercely contested game, especially given it has been over a decade since the two sides met. But, we think that this one will play out in a draw.
Our Prediction: Bradford City 2-2 Huddersfield Town
