League Two promotion hopefuls Bradford City are set to host League One side Rotherham United at the University of Bradford Stadium on Tuesday in their third match in the EFL Trophy.

Bradford are second in their four-team group with four points after two matches and beat Mansfield Town 3-0 in their last outing in the EFL Trophy on September 17, while the visiting team are first with six points from a possible six and defeated Newcastle United-U21s 3-1 on October 8.

Match preview

Andy Cook of Bradford City, September 2024 © Imago

The home team were rampant against Mansfield considering they created three big chances, produced 17 shots and forced their opponents' goalkeeper to make six saves.

Bradford drew 1-1 with Colchester United last time out on Saturday in League One, a match in which Colchester scored an equaliser in the ninth minute of second-half stoppage time and cancelled out Andy Cook's 30th-minute opener.

Head coach Graham Alexander noted that his players were bitterly disappointed by the result but refused to be critical of those who featured, telling reporters: "I can't say anything negative about the players – they have given absolutely everything."

Alexander's side are eighth in League One, one place and two points from the last of four promotion playoff spots, though they are fortunate to still be within touching distance given they have lost two, drawn two and won just once in their five most recent games in all competitions.

Despite their struggles of late, Bradford's record at home has remained strong, with the team having triumphed in eight of their last 12 matches at the University of Bradford Stadium.

Rotherham United manager Steve Evans during the EFL Sky Bet League 1 match between Wycombe Wanderers and Rotherham United at Adams Park, High Wycombe, England, on 24 August 2024. [on August 25, 2024] © Imago

As for Rotherham, they were deserving winners when they played Newcastle United Under-21s considering they managed to produce 17 shots and three big chances in comparison to Newcastle's five shots and one big chance.

The visitors come into Tuesday's clash having lost 2-0 against Barnsley on November 8 in League One, a game that they worryingly only registered three of their four shots from inside the penalty area in the 72nd minute or later in.

The loss left boss Steve Evans's team in 17th place with 17 points, just four points clear of fourth last Crawley Town, who occupy the division's first relegation spot.

Rotherham are in poor form having lost four, drawn one and been triumphant in one of their last six matches, conceding 10 goals and failing to score on three occasions.

The Millers' away form is even worse, with the club having registered just one victory in their nine games on the road this term, losing five and drawing three.

Bradford City EFL Trophy form:

Bradford City form (all competitions):

Rotherham United EFL Trophy form:

Rotherham United form (all competitions):

Team News

Bradford City manager Graham Alexander pictured in January 2024 © Imago

Bradford will be without defender Ciaran Kelly, though Aden Baldwin is scheduled to make a return to action in some capacity over the next week.

However, Baldwin is unlikely to start, so perhaps the hosts will field a back four consisting of Jay Benn, Jack Shepherd, Cheick Diabate and Lewis Richards.

Midfielders Antoni Sarcevic and Alex Pattison could also make their comebacks from injury, though it would not be surprising if Richard Smallwood took up a midfield spot in a double pivot on Tuesday.

As for Rotherham, forwards Jonson Clarke-Harris and Mallik Wilks may make an appearance for the visitors but are unlikely to start.

In their absence, the away team may select a front two featuring Jordan Hugill and Detlef Esapa Osong.

Elsewhere, Shaun McWilliams and Joe Powell could start in midfield in front of centre-backs Harrison Duncan and Zak Jules.

Bradford City possible starting lineup:
Doyle; Benn, Shepherd, Diabate, Richards; Pointon, Smallwood, Pattison, Adams; Oliver, Sanderson

Rotherham United possible starting lineup:
Phillips; Rafferty, Duncan, Jules, Bramall; Holmes, McWilliams, Powell, Hungbo; Hugill, Osong

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We say: Bradford City 1-2 Rotherham United

Bradford will be pleased by their showings in League Two, but will perhaps prioritise their promotion charge rather than Tuesday's game.

Additionally, Rotherham's status as a League One side should mean they come into the clash as favourites.

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