Rotherham vs. Bradford Prediction, Odds & Betting Tips

Posted on September 29, 2025 by author in Football

Rotherham United and Bradford City are set to clash in an intriguing League One encounter on October 2, 2025, at the AESSEAL New York Stadium. This match pits a struggling Rotherham side against a high-flying Bradford team leading the division. Fans searching for Rotherham vs. Bradford prediction will find this fixture full of potential drama, given the contrasting forms and historical rivalry. With Bradford aiming to maintain their top spot and Rotherham desperate for points to climb out of the relegation zone, expect a competitive battle. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into the match preview, team forms, head-to-head stats, key players, betting odds, and expert tips to help you make informed wagers.

Match Overview and Background

League One has been unpredictable in the 2025/26 season, and this Yorkshire derby adds another layer of excitement. Rotherham United, known as the Millers, returned to League One after a brief stint in higher divisions, but their start has been rocky. Managed by Steve Evans, they’ve shown flashes of resilience but lack consistency. Bradford City, the Bantams, have been the surprise package, topping the table under Graham Alexander’s guidance after promotion from League Two.

The AESSEAL New York Stadium, Rotherham’s home since 2012, holds about 12,000 fans and has been a fortress in past seasons. However, Rotherham’s home form this year has been mediocre, with only a couple of wins. Bradford, meanwhile, have excelled on the road, securing victories against tough opponents. This game comes at a pivotal time: Rotherham need to halt a slide, while Bradford look to extend their lead.

Historically, these teams have met frequently in lower leagues, fostering a regional rivalry. Though not as intense as some derbies, the proximity—about 40 miles apart—ensures passionate support. For bettors, Rotherham vs. Bradford odds reflect Bradford’s favoritism, but home advantage could play a role.

Rotherham United Team Preview

Rotherham United’s 2025/26 campaign has been disappointing. After nine games, they sit 21st in League One with just seven points from two wins, one draw, and six losses. Their goal difference stands at -6, having scored seven and conceded 13. Recent form reads LDLWLL, including a 2-1 defeat to Mansfield Town. Interim spells and managerial tweaks haven’t stabilized the squad yet.

Key issues include defensive frailties. Rotherham have conceded in every game this season, often from set pieces or counter-attacks. Offensively, they’ve relied on counter-punching but lack creativity in midfield. Injuries have compounded problems: Defender Tom Holmes is sidelined with a collateral ligament tear, weakening the backline.

Despite woes, positives exist. Goalkeeper Cameron Dawson has made crucial saves, earning praise for clean sheets in rare wins. In attack, Sam Nombe leads scoring with goals in key matches, supported by Shaun McWilliams’ energy in midfield. Sean Raggett provides leadership at center-back, while Liam Kelly dictates tempo when fit.

Rotherham’s home record: In four home games, they’ve won one, drawn one, lost two, scoring four and conceding five. They must tighten up against Bradford’s potent attack. Evans will likely opt for a 4-2-3-1 formation, focusing on solidity.

Bradford City Team Preview

Bradford City are flying high, topping League One with 23 points from 10 games: Seven wins, two draws, one loss. Their form is excellent, with a recent 1-0 win over Blackpool showcasing defensive resilience. Home record is perfect (5-0-0), while away they’ve won two, drawn two, lost one.

Promotion from League Two has galvanized the squad. Alexander’s tactics emphasize quick transitions and pressing. They’ve scored efficiently (around 1.8 goals per game) and conceded sparingly (0.8 per game).

Injuries are a concern: Striker Andy Cook (nine goals in 16 appearances last season) is out with a cruciate ligament injury, alongside Ciaran Kelly (ankle) and Calum Kavanagh (shin). This impacts firepower, but others have stepped up.

Key players include midfielder Richard Smallwood, the captain and heartbeat, with his tackling and passing. Brad Halliday at right-back overlaps effectively, while Antoni Sarcevic adds flair in attack. Defender Tom McIntyre anchors the backline, and goalkeeper Sam Walker has been reliable.

Bradford’s away form: Solid, with clean sheets in recent trips. They’ll likely use a 3-4-3 or 4-3-3 to exploit Rotherham’s weaknesses on the break.

Head-to-Head Analysis

Rotherham and Bradford have a balanced history, match 31 times overall. Rotherham hold a slight edge with 14 wins, Bradford 11, and six draws. Average goals per game: 2.84, suggesting entertaining affairs.

Recent encounters favor Rotherham: In the last 14 matchs, they’ve won nine, Bradford three, with two draws. The most recent was in the EFL Trophy on November 19, 2024, where Rotherham won 1-0 away. Before that, Rotherham triumphed 2-0 in 2018 League One.

At New York Stadium, Rotherham are unbeaten in five against Bradford (three wins, two draws). Bradford’s last win there was in 2013. Both teams scored in 60% of recent H2H, with over 2.5 goals in 40%.

Stats indicate low-scoring games lately: Under 2.5 goals in four of the last five. For this match, history suggests Rotherham could compete, but Bradford’s form tips the scale.

Key Players to Watch

Rotherham United

Sam Nombe (Forward): Top scorer with goals and assists. His pace troubles defenses.
Shaun McWilliams (Midfielder): High stamina, key in transitions. Leads in tackles per 90.
Cameron Dawson (Goalkeeper): Crucial for clean sheets. High save percentage.
Liam Kelly (Midfielder): Playmaker with vision. Dictates play when starting.
Sean Raggett (Defender): Organizes the backline, strong in aerial duels.

Bradford City

Richard Smallwood (Midfielder): Captain, leads in interceptions. Controls midfield battles.
Brad Halliday (Defender): Overlaps for assists. Solid defensively.
Antoni Sarcevic (Midfielder): Creative spark, scores from midfield.
Tom McIntyre (Defender): Rock at center-back, good on the ball.
Sam Walker (Goalkeeper): Reliable shot-stopper, key in away games.

Without Cook, Bradford may rely on Sarcevic for goals. Rotherham need Nombe to fire.

Prediction

Considering forms, Bradford are favorites. Rotherham’s home edge might keep it close, but Bradford’s defense and counter-attacks should prevail. Prediction: Rotherham 0-1 Bradford. Expect under 2.5 goals, as both recent forms and H2H suggest caution.

AI models give Bradford 46% win chance, Rotherham 30%, draw 24%. Bradford’s superior standings and form make them likely winners.

Betting Odds

Odds as of September 29, 2025 (subject to change):

1X2 Market:

Rotherham Win: 3.50 (Stake)
Draw: 3.40
Bradford Win: 2.01 (Oddspedia)

Over/Under 2.5 Goals:

Over: 2.00
Under: 1.80 (predicted under due to forms)

Both Teams to Score (BTTS):

Yes: 1.75 (Easybet)
No: 2.00 (bet365)

From bookmakers like bet365, Oddspedia, and Stake. Bradford’s odds reflect their position; value in under 2.5 if expecting a tight game.

Betting Tips

Bradford to Win: At 2.01, strong value given form. Stake 1 unit.
Under 2.5 Goals: 1.80 odds. Both teams’ recent games low-scoring. Stake 1 unit.
BTTS No: 2.00. Bradford keep clean sheets; Rotherham struggle scoring. Stake 0.5 units.
Correct Score 0-1: 7.00 odds. Matches prediction.
First Half Draw: 2.10. Games often cautious early.

Always bet responsibly. Check latest odds.

Statistical Breakdown

Rotherham: 7 goals scored (0.78 pg), 13 conceded (1.44 pg). Possession 48%, shots 10 pg.
Bradford: 18 goals scored (1.8 pg), 8 conceded (0.8 pg). Possession 52%, shots 12 pg.
H2H Goals: 2.84 avg. Rotherham home vs Bradford: 1.6 goals scored.

Table comparison: Bradford 1st, Rotherham 21st.

Potential Lineups

Rotherham (4-2-3-1): Dawson; Rafferty, Raggett, Jules, James; Kelly, McWilliams; Clarke, Holmes, Kayode; Nombe.

Bradford (4-3-3): Walker; Halliday, McIntyre, Baldwin, Touray; Smallwood, Sarcevic, Goodman; Adaramola, Oliver, Pattison.

Why This Match Matters

For Rotherham, a win boosts survival hopes. For Bradford, it solidifies title credentials. Regional pride at stake.