The Semi-Finals of the Bristol Street Motors Trophy kick off tonight, but tomorrow night sees the only remaining League Two club in action as Bradford City host Wycombe Wanderers.
Bradford’s season in the league has been a rollercoaster, with one managerial sacking, and an eight-game winless run after Christmas. Yet, they have one of the league’s best defensive records, have won their last three matches, and sit only two points off the playoffs.
As the last team from League Two still in the competition, they will be hoping they can fly the flag for England’s fourth tier at Wembley Stadium. The Bantams have already defeated League One opposition on their road to this semi-final, with a victory over Barnsley helping them secure 1st in their group and a narrow 1-0 victory at Pride Park in the knockout rounds against Derby County.
They will however have to get revenge on tomorrow’s opposition following their 2-1 loss to Wycombe in the first round of the FA Cup.
The Chairboy’s have also had a reasonably disappointing season as they sit 15th in League One, only six points above the drop zone, albeit their only loss in the last five games has been against title-chasing Bolton Wanderers.
Since topping their group with three wins from three, the Berkshire outfit have only faced Premier League U-21 sides in the knockouts, therefore, this could pose a totally different challenge to one they’ve faced this season.
Here is how two of The Real EFL’s Pundits see this one going…
Charlie Beeston
“With this game being at Valley Parade, the Bradford fans will likely be behind their side in a competition often ignored in its early stages. A trip to Wembley could be exactly what the doctor ordered, as disconnect from the fans to the football club seems ever-present. With that in mind, Graham Alexander is going to want to field as strong a team as possible. Although they find themselves only a couple of points away from the playoffs, it seems unlikely they’ll achieve top seven, so this could be their chance at success this time around.
Wycombe will very much need the same. Their season has not gone as many will have hoped, and there have been real question marks for most of the season over the future of manager Matt Bloomfield. A piece of silverware at the end of the season could be what keeps the former Colchester United boss in a job next season, but to even be in with a chance of the trophy, they must progress through this round.
Although, with both sides in need for the success story, I see Bradford, with the form they’ve found recently, to be the favourites, albeit narrowly. A draw with a home win on penalties is the way this will go.
Bradford City (p) 1-1 Wycombe Wanderers
Ivan Newsome
“The second of the two EFL Trophy semi-finals is perhaps even more intriguing than the first. A League Two side in great form vs a League One side who have the tendency to blow hot and cold, it’s got the potential to be a great affair.
Despite being in the league below, Bradford will certainly fancy their chances based on their recent form. That momentum could play a huge part in this fixture and they may just be able to cause an upset.
As for Wycombe, they’re currently in a fairly decent vein of form and although they have just one point from their last two games, those matches were against promotion chasers Bolton Wanderers and Oxford United. They’re by no means safe just yet, but should be putting out a full-strength starting eleven in this.
It should be a very close game based on Bradford’s recent performances but given Wycombe have also improved in the last month, I expect the League One side to book their place in the final.”
Bradford City 1-3 Wycombe Wanderers
