Stoke vs Bradford City Prediction & Betting Tips (26 August)

Stoke City welcome Bradford City to the Bet365 Stadium on August 26th for a second-round EFL Cup clash that promises more bite than its early-season billing suggests. The Potters, under the guidance of Mark Robins—appointed on New Year’s Day after a turbulent managerial carousel—have begun the 2025/26 campaign with renewed purpose. Robins has overseen a summer of strategic reinforcements, including the return of midfield veteran Steven Nzonzi and the arrival of attacking talents like Divin Mubama and Sorba Thomas, both of whom have already made their mark with goals and assists in recent outings. Stoke’s recent 3-0 dismantling of Sheffield Wednesday and a 3-1 win over Derby signal a side growing in confidence and cohesion.

Bradford City, meanwhile, arrive in Staffordshire riding a wave of momentum. Graham Alexander’s men have stitched together an impressive run of form, including back-to-back 2-1 wins over Luton Town and Blackburn Rovers. Their summer business was modest but effective, with free transfers like Matthew Pennington and Joe Wright adding steel to the backline. The Bantams have shown a knack for controlling tempo and exploiting defensive lapses, particularly in the first half, where they’ve consistently found early breakthroughs. Alexander’s tactical clarity and the squad’s growing belief have turned Bradford into a side capable of punching above their League One weight.



The tactical battle will likely hinge on midfield control, where Stoke’s experience—anchored by Nzonzi and the emerging Bae Junho—could tilt the balance. Bradford’s pressing game and quick transitions, however, have unsettled higher-tier opponents before. Expect Stoke to dominate possession, but Bradford’s counter-attacking threat remains potent, especially with the likes of Will Swan and Jamie Neufville lurking in advanced positions. Set pieces may also play a decisive role, with both sides showing vulnerability in aerial duels during recent fixtures.

Prediction-wise, the smart money leans toward a narrow Stoke victory—2-1 feels right on the nose. The Potters’ superior depth and home advantage should see them through, but not without a scare. Bradford’s recent form and fearless approach suggest they’ll find the net, likely in the first half, before Stoke’s quality and Robins’ in-game management steer the hosts to a hard-fought win. It’s a fixture that could easily swing, but the edge belongs to the Championship side with Premier League ambitions rekindled.

• Summary: Stoke City is going head to head with Bradford City starting on 26 Aug 2025 at 18:45 UTC at bet365 Stadium stadium, Stoke city, England. The match is a part of the EFL Cup .