Bradford City vs Carlisle United odds and betting statistics
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Bradford City vs Carlisle United recommended bets
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Bradford City vs Carlisle United match preview
These two teams finished level on 76 points after 46 games this season, but there must be something between them following these two legs.
Hosts Bradford City were in the Premier League as recently as 2001, playing Intertoto Cup ties against Atlantas, RKC Waalwijk and Zenit Saint Petersburg back then.
However, since suffering Championship relegation in 2004, the Bantams have bounced between League One and Two, with this their fourth successive season back in the fourth-tier.
In February 2022, Mark Hughes took over as Bradford boss and, following a respectable sixth place finish, is dreaming of guiding them to promotion.
The Paraders drew 1-1 with champions Leyton Orient on Monday, meaning they’ve lost just two of their last 16 matches.
So, can Bradford continue that momentum and claim a first leg win?
The Cumbrians have enjoyed a remarkable turnaround this season, finishing 20th last time round, before coming fifth this year, 23 points better off.
Paul Simpson’s side drew 1-1 at Sutton on Monday, courtesy of a late own goal, a point that could prove crucial, as it means Carlisle will have home advantage in the second leg of this tie next weekend.
The Cumbrians won 1-0 when Bradford visited Brunton Park on Boxing Day, before the pair played out a goalless draw in West Yorkshire two months ago.
So, expect this first leg at Valley Parade to be low-scoring, with Bradford hopeful of claiming a first leg advantage.
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