EFL Cup holders Newcastle United will kick off their title defence at home against Bradford City on Wednesday.
Newcastle United begin the defence of their long-awaited EFL Cup crown when they welcome Bradford City to St. James’ Park on Wednesday night. The Magpies, however, enter this third-round tie on shaky ground, while their visitors arrive in superb form after a flying start to the season.
Eddie Howe’s side have struggled to find rhythm in the early stages of the 2025/26 campaign. Without Alexander Isak, last season’s Wembley hero and now a Liverpool player, the Magpies have lacked a clinical edge in attack. They come into this fixture having won just one of their six matches in all competitions, drawing three and losing two.
Sunday’s stalemate at Bournemouth was their third goalless draw of the season, underlining their bluntness in the final third. While defensively sound, with Nick Pope keeping several clean sheets, Newcastle United’s attacking play has been toothless, leaving them languishing in 13th place in the Premier League.
Still, there are reasons for optimism. The Magpies pushed Barcelona hard in their midweek UEFA Champions League fixture at St. James’ Park, showing glimpses of the intensity and resilience that brought them silverware last season. With the EFL Cup providing a welcome opportunity to reset, Howe will see this as the perfect chance to rebuild confidence and momentum.
Bradford City, meanwhile, could hardly be in better shape heading into this tie. Having secured dramatic automatic promotion to League One last season with a 96th-minute winner on the final day, the Bantams have carried that momentum into the new campaign.
Graham Alexander’s men have lost just once in 12 matches across all competitions, topping the League One standings after a 3-1 win away at Cardiff City, one of the title favourites. Goals from Tommy Leigh, Antoni Sarcevic, and Josh Neufville highlighted the squad’s depth and attacking variety, while 21-year-old Bobby Pointon has emerged as the standout star.
Pointon, who scored just six times in League Two last season, already has five league goals to his name this term, alongside a brace in the EFL Trophy against Huddersfield Town. Their EFL Cup run has been particularly impressive. Bradford overcame Blackburn Rovers 2-1 in the first round before shocking Stoke City with a ruthless 3-0 victory in round two.
With momentum firmly on their side, the Bantams travel north believing they can continue their giant-killing run against the reigning champions. This tie brings together two clubs at opposite ends of English football’s ladder but with contrasting recent fortunes. Newcastle may boast the resources and pedigree of a Premier League side, yet their current lack of cutting edge could open the door to an upset.
Bradford City, brimming with belief and riding high at the top of League One, will see this as an opportunity to test themselves against elite opposition and perhaps write another memorable chapter in their cup history. The Hard Tackle takes a look at how both sides could line up and what tactics they might employ on the day.
Team News & Tactics
Newcastle United
Eddie Howe will be forced to shuffle his pack ahead of this EFL Cup clash, with several injury concerns limiting his options. Fabian Schar is a major doubt after sustaining a head injury during last week’s Champions League defeat to Barcelona, and given the nature of the issue, the defender is unlikely to be risked. Summer signing Jacob Ramsey is also unavailable, with the midfielder sidelined until next month due to an ankle problem.
In addition, fellow new arrival Yoane Wissa has been consigned to the treatment table, as the attacker continues his recovery from a knee injury. These absences deprive Howe of both experience and attacking depth as his side begins the defence of their trophy.
Tactically, Newcastle United are expected to line up in a 4-3-3 formation against Bradford City at St. James’ Park. Aaron Ramsdale should be handed a start in goal, while Emil Krafth is set to occupy the right-back position. Club captain Jamaal Lascelles is likely to partner Malick Thiaw at centre-back, with Kieran Trippier bringing leadership and attacking thrust from left-back.
In midfield, Joe Willock should provide energy and drive alongside Bruno Guimaraes, who will dictate the tempo in the holding role, and Joelinton, whose physicality and ball-carrying ability add balance. The front three is expected to feature Harvey Barnes on the left, Anthony Elanga on the right, and teenage forward Will Osula leading the line, giving the Magpies pace and directness in attack despite the absence of their senior strikers.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Ramsdale; Krafth, Lascelles, Thiaw, Trippier; Willock, Guimaraes, Joelinton; Barnes, Osula, Elanga
Bradford City
Bradford City will take this opportunity to test themselves against Premier League opposition with close to a full-strength squad. Graham Alexander is expected to field a strong lineup at St. James’ Park, with few injury concerns restricting his options. The only doubt surrounds midfielder Tommy Leigh, who was withdrawn at half-time during the weekend’s win over Cardiff City despite getting on the scoresheet.
His fitness will be assessed ahead of the game, and a late decision will be made regarding his involvement. Other than that, the Bantams have no notable injuries or suspensions and should be able to call on their key players.
Tactically, Bradford City are likely to adopt a 3-4-2-1 setup, designed to provide balance between defensive organisation and quick transitions. Sam Walker should continue as the goalkeeper, shielded by a back three of Matthew Pennington, Aden Baldwin, and Ibou Touray, who will aim to keep Newcastle United’s rotated attack in check.
On the flanks, Josh Neufville is expected to start as the right wing-back, with Tyreik Wright on the left, both tasked with covering large ground and providing width in counter-attacks.
In central midfield, Jenson Metcalfe and Max Power are set to anchor play, breaking up Newcastle’s rhythm and recycling possession. Ahead of them, Antoni Sarcevic and Bobby Pointon will operate as dual attacking midfielders, offering creativity and supporting the striker. Up front, Will Swan should lead the line, using his work rate and movement to trouble the Magpies’ defensive unit.
Probable Lineup (3-4-2-1): Walker; Pennington, Baldwin, Touray; Neufville, Metcalfe, Power, Wright; Sarcevic, Pointon; Swan
Key Stats
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This will be the first competitive meeting between Newcastle United and Bradford City since the 2000/01 Premier League season, when Newcastle won both fixtures.
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Newcastle United are beginning their EFL Cup defence after ending a 70-year wait for major silverware last season, when they defeated Liverpool 2-1 in the final.
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Bradford City have a rich EFL Cup history of their own. They famously reached the final in 2012/13 as a League Two side, defeating Arsenal and Aston Villa along the way, before losing to Swansea City at Wembley.
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Newcastle United have won only one of their first six matches this season in all competitions, while Bradford City are flying high, losing just one of their opening 12 matches across league and cup.
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Bradford City have already knocked out two higher-tier opponents in this season’s competition, beating Blackburn Rovers 2-1 and then dismantling Stoke City 3-0 away from home.
Player to Watch
Anthony Elanga
With Alexander Isak departing and Yoane Wissa sidelined, Anthony Elanga has an important opportunity to step up and make himself indispensable in Newcastle United’s attack. The Swedish winger, known for his explosive pace and direct dribbling, brings an unpredictability that can stretch defences and create openings for teammates.
Elanga’s ability to run in behind and isolate defenders one-on-one will be especially valuable against a Bradford side likely to sit compact and look to frustrate their Premier League hosts. His high energy and pressing off the ball also suit Eddie Howe’s philosophy, helping Newcastle United regain possession quickly and sustain pressure in the final third.
Having shown flashes of brilliance since his move from Manchester United, Elanga will now be tasked with delivering more end product in terms of goals and assists. Against lower-league opposition, he has the perfect stage to make a decisive impact and remind supporters that he can be a difference-maker on nights when Newcastle need attacking spark.
Prediction
Newcastle United 2-0 Bradford City
Newcastle United will see this fixture as the perfect opportunity to rediscover confidence after a stuttering start to the season. Eddie Howe’s side have looked blunt in attack without Alexander Isak, but with players like Anthony Elanga, Harvey Barnes, and Will Osula expected to feature, the Magpies should still possess enough firepower to trouble Bradford’s back line.
St. James’ Park has been a fortress for them in recent years, and the home crowd will demand a professional performance as the holders begin their cup defence. Bradford City, however, arrive with belief and momentum. Graham Alexander’s men are in scintillating form, sitting top of League One and already claiming Championship scalps against Blackburn Rovers and Stoke City.
Their resilience, attacking verve through Bobby Pointon, and collective confidence mean they should not be underestimated. If Newcastle United underperform, Bradford City have the capability to punish them and extend their giant-killing run.
Ultimately, the gap in quality and squad depth should tell. Newcastle’s defensive organisation, home advantage, and attacking options, even with some rotation, make them strong favourites. Bradford may push them hard early on, but the Magpies are expected to grow into the game and seal a spot in the next round.
