
The Football Faithful
·24 September 2025
Newcastle United vs Bradford City – Match preview and team news

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Yahoo sportsThe Football Faithful
·24 September 2025
Newcastle United will be desperate for a morale-boosting victory on Wednesday when they welcome high-flying League One leaders Bradford City to St. James’ Park for a third-round Carabao Cup tie.
Eddie Howe’s side have struggled for form and goals this season. The Bantams, in contrast, arrive on a superb run, setting the stage for a potential cup upset in the first competitive meeting between the clubs in over 24 years.
Eddie Howe is expected to rotate his squad but remains without the injured trio of Fabian Schär, Jacob Ramsey, and Yoane Wissa. The manager will likely hand opportunities to players like William Osula and Malick Thiaw, but may retain an experienced core to guard against an upset.
Bradford manager Graham Alexander has a fully fit squad to choose from for the trip to Tyneside. He is expected to name his strongest possible side for this prestigious fixture, with in-form striker Will Swan, who has scored in both previous rounds, set to lead the attack.
The Magpies are in a poor run of form, having won just one of their last six matches in all competitions. Their main issue has been a lack of goals. In fact, they have scored just twice in their last four games and desperately need a positive result to kickstart their season.
The Bantams are in superb form, sitting top of League One and having won five of their last six matches. Their games have been full of entertainment, with nine of their last ten featuring over 2.5 goals. They have already knocked out Championship side Stoke City in this competition.
Newcastle United predicted XI: Ramsdale; Krafth, Lascelles, Thiaw, Trippier; Willock, Guimaraes, Joelinton; Barnes, Elanga, Osula
Bradford City predicted XI: Walker; Pennington, Baldwin, Touray; Neufville, Metcalfe, Power, Wright; Sarcevic, Pointon; Swan
The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Football in the UK. Coverage begins at 7:30 pm BST.