Bradford vs Burnley – News and Probable Lineups

On Wednesday evening, Bradford City will take on Championship side Burnley in the second round of the EFL Cup.

While the Bantams sailed through their initial match against Rochdale, Burnley needed a penalty shootout to get past Notts County.

Match overview

After facing a challenging start against West Ham United and West Bromwich Albion, new Burnley head coach Nicky Hayen has realized the toughness of the task ahead in English football.

Nevertheless, he would have hoped for a better outcome than just one point, which came from a dramatic late comeback to secure a draw with the Hammers.

The trip to The Hawthorns on Sunday was a prime opportunity to secure all three points, and an early own goal from Callum Styles gave Burnley an advantageous position.

However, West Brom, gaining confidence under James Morrison, fought back to achieve a 3-1 victory, leaving Hayen with numerous questions to ponder.

Failing to defeat the Baggies means Burnley is still yet to register a competitive away win since their last such success against Crystal Palace on February 11.

While Burnley has conceded six goals over three fixtures, Bradford has recorded three consecutive clean sheets.

Despite facing a significantly weaker level of opposition, Graham Alexander is sure to be pleased with his team’s clean sheets against Rochdale, Peterborough United, and Sheffield Wednesday.

Although he likely desired to see his squad score more than five times, that remains a minor concern as Bradford has demonstrated its credentials for League One promotion in the early part of the season.

This match marks the first competitive clash between the two clubs since the 2003-04 season, when Burnley recorded a 2-1 win at Valley Parade in England’s second tier.

Team News

Although Bradford’s next match is against Plymouth Argyle later in the week, the Bantams last played on Thursday, which may prompt Alexander to limit rotations to just a few changes.

Henry Cartwright and Adam Phillips could be given starting positions in central midfield, while Will Swan may replace Jake Beesley in the forward line.

Despite his early-season contributions, Nick Powell is expected to start on the bench.

Burnley may see Ugo Raghouber, Zeki Amdouni, and Chelsea loanee Dastan Satpaev earn starting roles.

Anel Ahmedhodzic, making his debut, and Joe Worrall could feature in central defence, while Lucas Pires and Mike Tresor may occupy positions on the left flank.

Hayen must also consider whether to risk the fitness of Connor Roberts, who returned from a minor injury to play 45 minutes against West Brom.

Bradford City probable starting XI:

Dawson; Pennington, Baldwin, Gillesphey; Neufville, Cartwright, Phillips, Touray; Lapslie, Pointon; Swan

Burnley probable starting XI:

Coudert; Sonne, Ahmedhodzic, Worrall, Pires; Laurent, Raghouber; Amdouni, Ramsey, Tresor; Satpaev

With Hayen increasingly eager to secure his first win, he may select a stronger lineup than initially expected. Thus, a victory for Burnley seems likely, though it is anticipated to be a closely contested fixture that could ultimately be determined in the final moments.