Bradford vs Arsenal betting 11/12/12

Bradford vs Arsenal betting preview

After coming from 4-0 down to win an astonishing 12 goal thriller against Reading, Arsenal travel to surprise quarter-finalists Bradford on Tuesday night in the Capital One Cup. Bradford will be hoping for their success in the competition to continue after being kicked out of the FA Cup last week for fielding an ineligible player. Arsenal are expected to take an experienced side to the Coral Windows Stadium as they aim to win their third League Cup trophy. Meanwhile, Bradford are attempting to reach the semi-final of the competition for the first time in their history, having previously lost in the quarter-final on three occasions. Choose a free bet for this match here.

Bradford’s Capital One Cup Results:

First Round: Notts County 0-1e Bradford (Hanson)
Second Round: Watford 1-2 Bradford (Reid, Thompson)
Third Round: Bradford e3-2 Burton Albion (Wells (x2), Darby)
Fourth Round: Wigan 0-0p Bradford

Bradford have fought hard to make it to the quarter-final stage of the Capital One Cup having held on by the skin of their teeth through four nail-biting games in the previous four rounds. They overcame Premiership side Wigan on penalties in the last round, this after they had come from 2-0 down with less than ten minutes to go to beat Burton Albion in the previous round.

They face their toughest test of the season on Tuesday night but head into the match full of confidence with just one loss since October. The Yorkshire side sit fourth in League Two, just outside the automatic places on 35 points from 21 games, and have made it through to the semi-final of the Football League Trophy Northern Section.

From their previous four goals scored in normal time of Capital One Cup matches all four have been scored in the last ten minutes, including a 94^th minute winner over Watford in the second round. William Hill have Bradford at 10/3 to score between the 76^th and 90^th minute.

In their last nine league matches Bradford have kept six clean sheets, emphasising their defensive strength, in particular in front of their home crowd where they have conceded just 6 goals from a total of 11 matches. To add to this they have the best home record in League Two, picking up 23 points from a possible 33. Low scoring games have been a theme in recent weeks and many bookies are offering 6/4 for under 2.5 goals in the game, including Paddy Power, Stan James and Bet Victor.

Arsenal’s Capital One Cup Results:

Third Round: Arsenal 6-1 Coventry (Giroud, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Walcott (x2), Miquel)
Fourth Round: Reading 5-7e Arsenal (Walcott (x3), Giroud, Koscielny, Chamakh (x2))

Like their opponents, Arsenal have had an exciting League Cup campaign having scored 13 goals in two matches which included a record breaking 7-5 extra time victory over Reading in the last round. However, in stark contrast to Bradford, they have failed to impress so far in the league, with calls from some fans that Arsene Wenger should be sacked following just 6 wins from their opening 16 games.

They come into the match having ended a run of no win in four games thanks to a controversial 2-0 victory over West Brom on Saturday. Whilst Arsenal have disappointed in the league they have excelled in cup competitions, reaching the knockout stages of the Champions League with a game to spare.

Theo Walcott has proved he is worthy of a position at the head of the formation playing as an out-and-out striker, scoring five goals in the two Capital One Cup matches Arsenal have played. However, Arsenal will have to do without both Walcott and Giroud for the tie as they are forced to sit out with injuries. Chamakh, who scored twice after coming on against Reading, could play a big part for Arsenal – he is best priced at 8/1 with Betfred to score two or more goals.

Betting Preview:

This will not be a straightforward match for Arsenal, even when you take into consideration the goals they have scored so far in the competition. Bradford will be defensively strong on a pitch that will suit the League Two side more than their Premier League visitors, in conditions that are likely to also be in their favour. With this in mind, William Hill offer a good price for either side to win in extra time – Arsenal at 7/1, whilst the underdogs Bradford are at 25/1.

Arsenal have scored all but 2 of their 13 cup goals in the second half and are yet to score a goal before 35 minutes. It has been a similar story for Bradford who have scored no goals in the first half of Capital One Cup matches this season. Bet365 are best priced at 11/10 for the second half to be the highest scoring half.

Despite Bradford being no pushovers, Arsenal have enough talent to make it through to the semi-final for the 15^th time in this competition. Chamakh to score and Arsenal to win is at 2/1 with Betfred, and you can get 5/4 with Sky Bet for Arsenal to score three or more goals.

Prediction: Bradford 1-3 Arsenal – Best priced at 10/1 with Totesport.

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