- Bradford have failed to win their last two home games against Rochdale and thus the away side have a little edge on this cup tie.
- Bradford have won two, drawn one and lost two of their last five matches, whereas Rochdale have won four and drawn one.
- Bradford average 1.00 goals per game both scored and conceded at home, while Rochdale average 1.80 scored and 1.20 conceded away.
Classic clash of styles at the Valley Parade
There could be an intriguing clash of philosophies when Bradford City and Rochdale meet in the EFL Cup 2026-2027 at the University of Bradford Stadium on Saturday. The Bantams are a direct, transition-first and high-pressing team, that's Graham Alexander's 3-4-2-1 style, whereas Rochdale prefer to build from the back and control the tempo.
It should produce a good cup tie, but the way that Rochdale have been going at present, they may be able to get into the match and not get out of it, providing Ian Watson's flexible system can survive the early barrage.
The away side are unbeaten in their last three, drawing 1-1 with York City, beating Scunthorpe United 2-1 in the National League and edging out Tranmere Rovers 3-2 away from home in the EFL Cup. Emmanuel Dieseruvwe has also found his shooting boots in recent games, netting two goals during a run of five in which Rochdale have scored six.
Bantams have lost their bounce at the home
Bradford rebounded from their opening-day 0-1 defeat at home to Bolton Wanderers in League One by beating Preston North End 3-2 in a friendly played at the same ground. The Bantams still look a team that can do some damage going forward with Kayden Jackson their sharp end and a reliable goal poacher.
But the West Yorkshire side have won only two of their last six in all competitions, drawing two and losing two at the stadium, so the Valley Parade has not been an invincible fort these days.
Across all competitions Bradford have won only four of their last ten, drawing three and losing three, which is hardly a run of convincing form. Rochdale have a much sharper edge at this moment in time, having won six, drawn three and lost just one of their ten most recent matches in all competitions.
Rovers have an underdog edge
Bradford are the 21/50 favourites to win this match, but Rochdale's away record of three wins and two draws from five and their ability to stay in the game on the road, should make this an awkward afternoon for the hosts.
The old bouncers are back in rhythm for Ian Watson, who will surely be able to keep his men organised even if they play an unfamiliar system. The hosts are still the more likely to nick this one and the draw at 37/10 and the visitors at 21/4 will only appeal on the double chance market.
Rochdale can't be trusted to get the goal they need to avoid defeat but should be a tough nut to crack, so the best play here is to back the draw as the main selection, with Bradford to edge a 2-1 win in the correct score market.
