Cheltenham vs Bradford City Prediction & Betting Tips (1 November)

Cheltenham Town and Bradford City are set to clash in the FA Cup First Round on November 1, 2025, at the EV Charger Points Stadium. Both sides enter the tie with contrasting form and ambitions, promising a compelling encounter.

Cheltenham Town have endured a turbulent run in recent weeks, struggling to find consistency in League Two. Their recent 1-1 draw away at Gillingham offered a glimmer of resilience, but it followed a string of disappointing results, including a 0-1 home loss to Bristol Rovers and a heavy 1-7 defeat at Grimsby. Manager Darrell Clarke has been under pressure to stabilize the defense, which has conceded far too easily in recent fixtures. Despite the setbacks, the Robins showed promise in their 2-0 win over Fleetwood earlier in October, with striker Aidan Keena finding the net and midfielder Liam Sercombe dictating play. Clarke will be hoping his side can channel that performance into their FA Cup campaign and reignite their season.

Bradford City, on the other hand, are riding a wave of momentum. The Bantams have been impressive in League One, recently dismantling Everton U21s 5-1 in the EFL Trophy and securing a 1-0 win over Blackpool. Their attacking trio, led by Andy Cook, has been in fine form, while midfield dynamo Alex Gilliead continues to be a creative force. Manager Graham Alexander has instilled a sense of discipline and purpose in the squad, which was evident in their 3-1 away win at Cardiff and a solid 2-2 draw against Rotherham. Bradford’s recent dominance over Cheltenham in head-to-head meetings, including a 3-0 win in March, adds an extra layer of confidence heading into this cup tie.

The tactical battle between Clarke and Alexander will be pivotal. Cheltenham will likely aim to frustrate Bradford with a compact setup, hoping to exploit set pieces and counterattacks. Bradford, with their superior squad depth and attacking flair, will look to control possession and press high. The match could hinge on individual moments—perhaps a flash of brilliance from Keena or a clinical finish from Cook. While Bradford may appear the stronger side on paper, the magic of the FA Cup often defies logic. In a tightly contested affair, we’re backing a 2-1 win for Cheltenham, with home advantage and cup unpredictability tipping the scales.