Bradford City host Burton Albion on Boxing Day in what promises to be a fierce clash between two of the in form teams in League One…
Here, I preview the match and pick a winner…
Match Odds (Sky Bet):
Bradford- 13/10
Draw:11/5
Burton- 5/2
Sky Bet make Bradford favourites for the game, albeit just. The odds offered do however show that the bookies expect a tight game and aren’t sure of a clear favourite to win it.
League Form and Position:
Burton lie top of League One, 22 games into their first ever season in the third tier. Their form has been superb all campaign and also well documented, as Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink led them to the top of the tree.
However, Hasselbaink was then poached by Championship QPR, with Burton replacing him with ex boss Nigel Clough.
He has continued their good form and his club have lost just twice in the last 10 overall, winning four of their last five games.
Bradford are one of the form teams in the division and have lost just once in their last 10 games, at high flying Walsall. They also have only conceded two goals in 15 hours and backed by a raucous home crowd at Valley Parade, their confidence will be high.
The Bantams now look nailed on for a big push at the play offs although their next few games, in which they also face Sheffield United and high flying Gillingham, will be a tough test of their credentials and could make or break their season.
Key Battles:
Abdenasser El Khayati v Reece Burke
Burke has been a revelation since signing on loan from West Ham for Bradford and has been composed at the back, as well as in the challenge. However, El Khayati is a physical player who is strong in the air, but also good with his feet. He is likely to be as tough a challenge as Burke has faced at Bradford, as this combination makes him a potent attacking threat.
Billy Clarke v Tom Naylor
Naylor is an ex Bradford loanee and will have his work cut out against a fit again Billy Clarke. Clarke was once described by then boss Steve Evans as “his Lionel Messi” and his footwork and movement is of a very high standard for this level. If he is on form then he could well be the difference- and give Naylor a torrid afternoon.
Verdict:
Bradford are just about the bookies favourites- and they’re just about mine too. They are on a superb run and don’t look like conceding a goal from anywhere, but if Burton turn up, The Bantams will be in for a very firm test- they’re top for a reason.
This is likely to be a tight, cagey affair, but in front of the Valley Parade faithful, I fancy Bradford to edge it.
2-0 to The Bantams.
