softfootball.com match preview
Bradford City will head to Prenton Park this Saturday, aiming for back-to-back victories and a return to the top seven in the League Two standings. The Bantams face a Tranmere Rovers side struggling to find form, winless in their last five league outings.
Match Preview
Tranmere Rovers have had a sluggish start to their 2024-25 League Two campaign under manager Nigel Adkins, collecting 11 points from nine matches. With only two victories and two defeats so far, Tranmere’s main issue lies in their lack of firepower, having scored just five goals – the fewest in the division.
Their recent form has been mixed, with three consecutive draws, including a 1-1 stalemate against MK Dons where Regan Hendry netted a dramatic injury-time equalizer. Despite a recent 2-1 win over Accrington Stanley in the EFL Trophy, Adkins’ side is eager to break their five-match winless streak in the league.
Meanwhile, Bradford City aims to build on their 3-1 victory over Newport County last Monday. The Bantams have had a strong start to the season but recently endured a four-match winless run that left them in mid-table. Graham Alexander’s men sit just four points off the league leaders and will be hoping to close the gap with another victory this weekend.
Bradford’s win against Newport featured goals from Andy Cook, Jamie Walker, and Bobby Pointon, reigniting their confidence. The Bantams are determined to keep the momentum going, with promotion aspirations still very much alive.
Team News
Tranmere Rovers will be without key players Josh Hawkes, Sam Finley, and Declan Drysdale due to injuries. However, Brad Walker is back in contention, and Regan Hendry may earn a starting spot after his late heroics last weekend. Omari Patrick, who has been in fine form with four goals and an assist in 12 appearances, will continue to be a focal point in Tranmere’s attack alongside striker Kristian Dennis.
Bradford City manager Graham Alexander faces a few selection dilemmas after their win over Newport. Bobby Pointon impressed with a goal off the bench, while Corry Evans will be pushing for his first start since joining in October. Jamie Walker, Clarke Oduor, and captain Richard Smallwood are expected to retain their places in midfield, with Andy Cook, who has already scored five league goals this season, leading the line.
Predicted Lineups
Tranmere Rovers:
McGee; Lee, Davies, Turnbull; Norman, Khan, Merrie, Bradshaw; Patrick, Hendry; Dennis
Bradford City:
Walker; Diabate, Byrne, Shepherd; Benn, Oduor, Smallwood, Walker; Wright; Cook, Kavanagh
Softfootball Prediction
While Tranmere will have home advantage, their struggles in front of goal may continue against a Bradford side brimming with confidence after their recent win. The Bantams’ quality, particularly in attack with Andy Cook leading the charge, should give them the edge in this encounter.
Final score prediction: Tranmere Rovers 1-2 Bradford City
