Bradford vs Millwall predictions and betting tips for this weekend’s League Two play-off first leg on Sunday 15th May, live on Sky Sports and kicking-off at 12.15pm.
The second of the League One play-offs kicks off on Sunday lunchtime. Valley Parade plays host as Millwall are the visitors. We’ve got the best bets for the match and a preview with the best betting odds.
Bradford vs Millwall Preview
Bradford
It was a typical accomplished Bradford performance on the final day of the season as they ran out 2-0 winners over Chesterfield. The Spirites were already safe and had little to play for, but Bradford were polished and kept another clean sheet. Phil Parkinson’s side have been incredibly difficult to beat this season. Since the end of January, they’ve only been beaten four times, three of which were away from home. Two of those losses came against the top two – Wigan and Burton.
Rory McArdle’s injury was a blow to the Bantams, but they kept their defensive resolve and if they’d got off to a better start, they’d have been challenging for automatic. They picked up just two wins in their first 10 and it was a disappointing beginning for Phil Parkinson and his side.
McArdle is back for this and will be part of the Bradford backline that has kept three consecutive clean sheets. They’ve conceded just three goals in ten games and have been impressively stingy as the season came to a close. Lee Evans is another key member of the squad and the Wolves loanee has been amongst the goals recently. He will be looking to return to his parent club having helped Bradford into the Championship.
Parkinson has improved Bradford’s position year on year and although progress has been welcomed, missing out on promotion would be disappointing. They’ve tasted success in the play-offs previously, victorious in the League Two back in 2012-13. They finished 7th that season and weren’t expected to taste success. James Hanson, Stephen Darby and the aforementioned Rory McArdle all featured in the 3-0 victory over Northampton that day.
Millwall
It’s been a blistering season for Millwall. Not fancied by many for an instant return to the Championship, under rookie manager Neil Harris, they’ve played exciting, attacking football and seen the emergence of a litany of talented young players. Steve Morison has been praised for his influence on the young squad and surely the veteran striker is a manager in the making. He has urged his side to strive for a positive result in West Yorkshire and not settle for the draw.
The Lions never give up. They netted a 98th minute winner at the Priestfield on the final day of the season, despite being down to 10 men. That last gasp drama secured them 4th place and a chance to host the second leg at the Den. They lost 1-0 against Bradford when the sides last met in March and it will be a tough task to beat the Bantams.
Morison has also urged his side to not dwell on their achievements so far and give it a final push in their final matches this season. Lee Gregory and Aidan O’Brien both netted on the final day in Kent and they’ll be difficult to stop. Shane Ferguson and Chris Taylor provide plenty of width and ammunition for the strikers to feed off. Harris is preparing for a physical battle with Bradford and Millwall may have to stem the Bradford attacks for a large part of the game. They’ve won five of their last six and have kept two clean sheets in their last four matches.
Bradford v Millwall Team News
- Bradford’s Billy Clarke has been ruled out of the play-offs and the former Blackpool man will be missed. He scored on the final day of the season, but a fractured cheekbone has curtailed his campaign.
- James Hanson and Reece Burke are both doubts for the tie. Hanson is recovering from a calf problem, but may be back in time for this.
- Steven Davis returns from suspension.
- Chris Taylor played through illness against Gillingham, but should have shaken it off in time for this fixture.
- Mahlon Romeo’s red card against Gillingham was upheld by the FA and he will not feature against this season.
- Tony Craig came in to sure things up for the final few minutes, he could start here.
Bradford vs Millwall Predictions
Millwall have been very effective at the den recently, but hit and miss away from home. True, the 2-1 victory over Gillingham was their second win in a row, but prior to that, they’d failed to win in five. Bradford are tough to beat and with just three goals shipped in ten, I’ve got to side with the Bantams. My first Bradford vs Millwall betting tip is for Bradford to win. They can be backed at 6/4 with William Hill.
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My next weekend football tip is a short price, but there’s bound to be few goals here. Bradford are very organised at the back, but are light up front with Hanson a doubt and Clarke absent. My second Bradford v Millwall prediction is for Under 1.5 goals. It can be backed at 6/4 with Betfair.
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Steven Davies is back from suspension and with James Hanson a doubt, he could be the man for the big occasion and I the subject of my anytime goalscorer tip in this one. My third Bradford vs Millwall betting tip is for Steven Davies to score anytime. He is 11/4 with Bet365.
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Bradford vs Millwall Betting Tips
Bradford win – 6/4 William Hill.
Under 1.5 Goals – 6/4 Betfair.
Steven Davies anytime goalscorer – 11/4 Bet365.
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Jack Critchley
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