Newcastle go begin dia EFL Cup defense on Wednesday night as dem host Bradford City for St James’ Park. Di Magpies don start 2025/26 season anyhow, while Bradford dey fly high after dem dramatic promotion last season.
Newcastle Current Form
Newcastle don dey struggle since dem lose Alexander Isak to Liverpool. Dem don play six matches across all competitions, only win one, draw three and lose two. Dem sit for 13th position for Premier League table, four points behind 4th-place Bournemouth.
Sunday against Bournemouth, na another 0-0 draw wey show say attack no dey click. Still, dem go enter EFL Cup with small confidence after dem play well against Barcelona last week for Champions League.
Last season, Eddie Howe side finally break 70 years curse as dem knack Liverpool for Wembley collect trophy. Dis year, even though start dey shaky, dem go still believe say dem fit reach round four with home advantage.
Bradford City Current Form
Bradford don show say dem no come League One just to make numbers. Dem dey top of di table with strong form – 12 matches across all competitions, only one loss. Last weekend, dem shock Cardiff City 3-1 away, goals from Tommy Leigh, Antoni Sarcevic and Josh Neufville.
Bantams dey also build reputation as giant-killers: dem don beat Blackburn Rovers (2-1) and Stoke City (3-0) away for earlier rounds of EFL Cup. Bobby Pointon na di poster boy right now with five league goals already dis season, after e only score six for whole of last season.
Confidence dey high, and Bradford go reach St James’ Park believing say dem fit cause another upset.
Team News Newcastle
Fabian Schar dey doubtful after head injury against Barcelona. Jacob Ramsey dey ruled out till next month with ankle injury. Yoane Wissa still dey recover from knee problem. Eddie Howe likely go rotate but still keep core experience like Kieran Trippier, Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton.
Team News Bradford
Bradford go nearly full strength. Tommy Leigh fit no start after e come off at half-time against Cardiff, but rest of squad dey fit. Expect Bobby Pointon and Andy Cook dem to lead attack, with midfield wey dey hungry for another upset.
Possible Lineups
Newcastle XI: Ramsdale; Krafth, Lascelles, Thiaw, Trippier; Willock, Guimaraes, Joelinton; Barnes, Elanga, Osula
Bradford XI: Walker; Pennington, Baldwin, Touray; Neufville, Metcalfe, Power, Wright; Sarcevic, Pointon; Swan
Prediction
Bradford don show say dem no dey fear anybody for cup games. Dem get confidence and fit worry Newcastle if di home side rotate too much. But Newcastle still get extra quality and home crowd advantage.
We say: Newcastle United 3-1 Bradford City
