Bradford Expect Tough Test Away At Chelsea

Bradford have struggled to find form after forging themselves a position in the League One play-off zone, losing both of their last two league games. They face an entirely different challenge away in the FA Cup tomorrow as they visit Jose Mourinho`s Premier League title favourites Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Mourinho`s Blues are unbeaten in four, having only conceded once in these games when tying against in-form Liverpool away from home in the League Cup semi-final mid-week. What`s more, Chelsea are unbeaten at home in all competitions this season and will be looking to continue this run against Phil Parkinson`s League One side.

Having received a bye into the third round of this competition, Chelsea`s only FA Cup game came at home to top-end Championship club Watford. Second half goals from Willian, Loic Remy and young defender Kurt Zouma saw the home side run out the 3-0 winners and the team can be backed at 3/1 with Skybet to put exactly the same number of goals past their opponents tomorrow.

Bradford have been in the hat since the first round proper and have defeated all of Yorkshire rivals and Conference side FC Halifax Town, non-league strugglers Dartford and Championship flounders Millwall.

Lois Maynard broke the deadlock for Halifax just three minutes into their game against Football League opposition and Bradford had to bide their time before they could level up. Jon Stead hit the back of the net in the 50th minute before the tie was turned on its head 180 seconds later as Filipe Morais grabbed the winner.

Stead and Morais were also on-target at home against Dartford though it was Billy Clarke who put the home side ahead at Valley Parade with the game ten minutes young. Stead bagged the only other goal of the first half before Morais and Mark Yeates made it four with an hour left to play. Lee noble scored past Ben Williams in the City net to make it 4-1 but it was a mere consolation goal.

The Bantams also hit four past Millwall in their unlikely resounding victory. James Hanson, Jon Stead and Andy Halliday netted in the first half before Billy Knott made it four without reply.

Having scored in three of their FA Cup encounters this season, 31-year-old former Bristol City man Jon Stead is the club`s top goal scorer in this competition. He is 8/1 with betfred to earn himself a dream goal against Chelsea at any time tomorrow.

As surprising as it would be, Bradford are 100/1 with Spreadex to score exactly four in their third consecutive FA Cup clash.

Indeed it is Chelsea who are the big favourites for the weekend`s game. Both betfred and boylesports have the Premier League champions elect at 1/8 to see off their League One opposition. Most bookmakers have priced City up at 25/1 to put an end to their rival`s unbeaten streak at home whilst 10/1 (bet365) says that the match will end tied after 90 minutes.

Chelsea are expected to make a number of changes from the side that drew 1-1 with Liverpool on Tuesday. Eden Hazard converted an 18th minute penalty for their goal. In what will be the biggest alteration for the Blues, either Didier Drogba or Loic Remy will take the place of prolific goalscorer Diego Costa. These strikers are both best priced 7/2 with paddy Power to hit the back of the net at any time.

Bradford will may well be without striker Billy Clarke and defender Andrew Davies who are recovering from their respective knee and ankle injuries. They will, however, be able to call upon Andrew Halliday and Francois Zoko, the former having signed permanently and the latter having had his loan deal extended.

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23/01/2015     © Frixo 2024