Bradford City and Stockport County are set to clash on Tuesday evening, both eager to secure crucial points in their playoff ambitions. This matchup will take place at Valley Parade, with Bradford holding the fifth position in the League One table, while Stockport sits in fourth.
Match Preview
Bradford City has maintained a spot within the top six for most of the season, but their form has been shaky since the beginning of the year. After experiencing four losses in five matches, they have bounced back with six points from their last three games. Their recent victories included a narrow 1-0 win against Doncaster Rovers and a 2-0 success over Peterborough United, both at Valley Parade.
The Bantams have demonstrated impressive home form, winning 11 out of 15 home games in League One since their promotion last season. They currently enjoy a six-point buffer above the seventh place team. However, manager Graham Alexander will be mindful of the fact that his team has yet to win consecutive matches in 2026 and has not scored more than twice in a league match since mid-September.
Stockport County’s Resurgence
On the other hand, Stockport has enjoyed an unbeaten streak of eight matches across all competitions, securing six wins in that span. They have accumulated 14 points from their last six League One fixtures, which is vital in keeping their hopes for automatic promotion alive.
While Stockport had a free weekend, key rivals Lincoln City and Bolton Wanderers drew, allowing Stockport to remain nine points away from second place while holding a game in hand. After a difficult five-match period without a clean sheet, manager Dave Challinor’s side has achieved back-to-back clean sheets, including a goalless draw with Leyton Orient and a commanding 4-0 win against Port Vale in the EFL Trophy quarter-finals.
Team News
For the upcoming match, Bradford City will have to adjust their lineup, as Max Power will serve a two-match suspension following his tenth yellow card. Lee Evans is likely to step into a starting role in midfield, with Matthew Pennington replacing Ibou Touray. Other potential attacking options for Bradford include Stephen Humphrys, Paul Mullin, and Ethan Wheatley.
Stockport County will also make changes, particularly at right-back, due to Josh Dacres-Cogley’s red card against Leyton Orient. Roman Dixon is poised to fill this gap. Adama Sidibeh, who impressed with two goals in the EFL Trophy, may also feature in the attack.
Possible Lineups
- Bradford City: Walker; Baldwin, Tilt, Pennington; Neufville, Evans, Metcalfe, Wright; Sarcevic, Pointon; Jackson
- Stockport County: Hinchliffe; Dixon, Hills, Pye, Edun; Bailey, Norwood; Diamond, Sidibeh, Osborn; Wootton
Predictions
Considering Stockport’s impressive unbeaten run in League One, Bradford City appears to be regaining their form. With the motivation to perform at home, Bradford City is predicted to win this hard-fought encounter with a scoreline of 2-1 against Stockport County.
