Doncaster vs Bradford City Prediction & Betting Tips (11 November)

Doncaster Rovers head into their EFL Trophy clash with Bradford City looking to steady their form after a mixed run of results in recent weeks. The South Yorkshire side have endured a difficult spell in League One, suffering defeats to Barnsley and Northampton, while also being heavily beaten by Leyton Orient. However, they did manage to secure a morale-boosting FA Cup victory away at Crewe Alexandra, which showed resilience and attacking intent. Off the pitch, manager Grant McCann has been vocal about the need for consistency, while injuries to key players such as James Maxwell have forced tactical reshuffles. The club has also been preparing for a busy November schedule, with fixtures against Lincoln and Stevenage looming, making this Trophy tie a chance to build momentum.

Bradford City, meanwhile, arrive with confidence despite a recent stumble in the FA Cup against Cheltenham Town. Under Graham Alexander, the Bantams have shown strong progress in League One, sitting near the top end of the table thanks to their ability to grind out results. Their recent matches include a hard-fought draw against Lincoln City, a 1-1 stalemate with Stevenage, and a thrilling 2-2 encounter against Barnsley. Earlier in October, they produced a standout performance in the EFL Trophy, thrashing Everton’s U21 side 5-1, which underlined their attacking depth. News around the club has focused on Alexander’s praise for his squad’s resilience and the growing belief that Bradford could mount a serious promotion push this season, making this Trophy fixture another test of their ambitions.



The head-to-head narrative adds intrigue, as both clubs have had contrasting fortunes in cup competitions. Doncaster’s victory over Grimsby in the EFL Trophy group stage highlighted their ability to rise to the occasion, while Bradford’s emphatic win against Everton U21s demonstrated their attacking flair. Recent league form, however, shows Doncaster struggling to convert performances into points, with only one win in their last five outings, compared to Bradford’s steadier run despite a narrow defeat to Burton Albion. Both teams have been in the news for their squad adjustments, with Doncaster managing injuries and Bradford dealing with fixture rescheduling due to cup commitments. The clash at the Eco-Power Stadium is therefore not just about progression in the Trophy, but also about restoring confidence and rhythm for both sides.

Looking ahead to the match itself, the balance of form suggests a competitive encounter with goals expected at both ends. Doncaster will rely on their home advantage and the attacking spark shown in their FA Cup win, while Bradford’s consistency and ability to score in tight games will keep them dangerous throughout. The narrative of resilience versus ambition makes this fixture particularly compelling, and the expectation is for a close scoreline. With both sides likely to find the net, the prediction leans towards Doncaster edging the contest. The forecasted outcome is a 2:1 correct score, reflecting Doncaster’s determination to respond positively to recent setbacks while acknowledging Bradford’s attacking threat.