Bradford vs Port Vale Predictions

• Eight of the last 10 games to feature Bradford City have featured under 2.5 goals.
• Meanwhile, 10 of the last 13 matches played by Port Vale have contained fewer than three goals.
• The return fixture in November ended as a 1-1 draw.

Mixed start for Sparky at Valley Parade

Former Stoke City and Manchester City boss Mark Hughes has strung together back-to-back away wins in his new role as Bradford City boss after losing each of his first two games at Valley Parade. The inconsistent Bantams remain marooned in mid-table, a full ten points behind their next opponents, playoff-chasing Port Vale.

One of Bradford’s biggest issues this campaign has been their dire home form. Hughes’ two home losses after taking the job mean the Bantams have only taken 20 points, and four wins, from 18 league home matches, giving them the joint fourth-worst record in the division. Bradford have, however, recorded back-to-back clean sheets, and will need to draw upon that solidity for the remainder of the season.

Indeed, eight of the hosts’ last 10 games have featured under 2.5 goals, as have 10 of the last 13 contests to feature Port Vale, who have also recorded back-to-back wins to breathe new life into their playoff push. The Midlands outfit, being overseen by coach Andy Crosby while Darrell Clarke is on leave, have only lost one of their last 12 matches, but conversely, have only won one of their last seven on the road.

Another cagey affair looks likely

Bradford and Port Vale drew 1-1 in their return fixture in November, and there are plenty of reasons to think this contest may prove just as tight. Considering Bradford’s poor home form and Port Vale’s lack of recent away wins, avoiding the win markets and siding with under 2.5 goals looks to be the outstanding play.

A repeat of November’s 1-1 draw, meanwhile, could be a decent correct score prediction, as Hughes looks to finetune his future Bradford squad throughout the remainder of a largely immemorable campaign.