Bradford vs Peterborough Prediction – Mid-table Bradford host promotion seeking Peterborough as they seek to seal a playoff place

The end of the season is looming large and the table is beginning to take on its final form. This includes Bradford in a comfortable mid-table position and Peterborough in line for a playoff spot. As such, the coming match between two teams will likely see one team who desperately want to secure their spot and one with little to play for. Likewise, however, Darren Ferguson’s side could begin to feel the pressure as they keep looking over their shoulder; points are everything to Peterborough right now if they are to have any hope of promotion. Their slightly narrow formation has served them well this season, though Bradford’s wide players and advancing fullbacks might expose the lack of threat. Control of the centre of the pitch might well prove the place to earn all the points.

Peterborough certainly enter the match with the better recent record. Results against Coventry and Gillingham are the ideal base from which to build a promotion campaign, though recent losses to Rotherham and Preston demonstrate that they might not have everything their own way come the playoffs. With a far inferior goal difference to those above them, and perhaps too many points difference, the key threat to their position is below, where Swindon are beginning to put together a few results. Maintaining this run of form might prove vital for Peterborough as the season draws to a close.

Bradford, on the other hand, have little to place for. Safe from the quagmire of the relegation battle and without the points total to challenge for a promotion spot, the team have understandably experienced mixed results in recent weeks. A win over third placed Leyton Orient, however, demonstrates that there is still plenty of sting in the tail come the end of the campaign.

Team News

Bradford striker James Hanson is unlikely to start following an injury lay off, with back problems causing issues for nearly a month. Jon stead is likely to start in his place, with a place on the bench perhaps more suited. After having recovered from a groin problem, Jason Doyle is likely to start though Andy Gray will still be side-lined with shingles. It is thought that on-loan Leeds defender Adam Drury will have recovered from a knee issue and will take his place at left back.

Having come back into the squad against Coventry, Peterboro will likely be able to call on the services of Lloyd Isgrove and Joe Newell. The former was nursing a knock while the latter was out due to suspension. While neither might make the starting eleven, a place on the bench could be suited. With few injury concerns, Darren Ferguson could alter his starting line up in preparation for the upcoming playoffs.

Bradford

P42 W11 D17 L14

LWDLD

Predicted Line-Up (4-5-1): McLaughlin; Darby, McArdle, Davies, Drury; Bennett, Jones, Doyle, Dolan, Reach; Stead

Peterborough

P42 W21 D04 L17

LWLWW

Predicted Line-Up (4-1-2-1-2): Olejnik; Little, Baldwin, Nugent, Nithe; Payne; Swanson, Rowe; Ajose; Assombalonga, Washington

Prediction: Bradford 1 – 2 Peterborough

While Bradford might benefit from a lack of pressure, Peterborough have the form and the determination required to get a result away from home.