MK Dons vs. Bradford City: Prediction, Preview & Betting Tips

Games on the first weekend of the season are always tough to call, and even more so games involving two sides with similar ambitions. MK Dons probably have more quality on paper, but Bradford have a greater degree of continuity in their squad and finished last season in better and less distressing fashion than MK Dons did.

Both of these teams were fairly big scorers last season, MK Dons with 83 league goals and Bradford with 61, while both had somewhat leaky defences, particularly MK Dons who conceded 68 goals. There doesn't seem to be too much to split these two teams on the opening weekend of the campaign so in our eyes, a high-scoring draw feels like the most likely outcome. MK Dons 2-2 Bradford City.

The opening weekend of the new League Two season brings an intriguing encounter between MK Dons and Bradford City. Both clubs are aiming for a strong start to the campaign, eager to put past disappointments behind them and set the tone for what they hope will be a successful season. This match promises to be a fascinating contest, with both teams having made significant changes over the summer and possessing ambitions of promotion.

• Date: 10/08/2024
• Kick-off time: 15:00
• Location: Stadium MK, Milton Keynes

MK Dons come into this season with a point to prove after a mixed campaign last time around. Finishing 4th in League Two last season was a respectable achievement, but ultimately, they fell short of automatic promotion by eight points. Their playoff run ended in a dismal fashion, suffering a heavy 8-1 aggregate defeat to Crawley Town, which highlighted the need for improvements and reinforcements.

Manager Mike Williamson remains at the helm, and he is under considerable pressure to deliver success this season. The disappointment of the previous campaign has put the spotlight on his ability to lead MK Dons back to League One. Having been relegated in the 2022-23 season, the club is determined to avoid another prolonged stay in League Two.

The loss of last season’s top goalscorer Max Dean to Belgian side Gent is a significant blow, as his goals were pivotal to their success. Additionally, the departures of left-back Daniel Harvie to Wycombe Wanderers and midfielder Dawson Devoy to Bohemians have left gaps that need filling. However, MK Dons have been active in the transfer market, bringing in nine first-team players to bolster their squad.

The standout acquisitions include centre-back Sam Sherring from Northampton Town, midfielders Tommy Leigh from Accrington Stanley, Tom Carroll from Exeter City, and striker Jack Hendry from Salford City. These signings bring a wealth of experience at this level and are expected to play key roles in the team’s push for promotion. Integrating these new faces will be a challenge, but the quality they possess could be the difference in a tightly contested league.

Bradford City, on the other hand, are looking to overcome recent disappointments and mount a serious promotion challenge. The Yorkshire club finished 9th in League Two last season with 69 points, a performance that fell short of expectations after starting the season as one of the promotion favourites. This came after a similarly frustrating campaign the year before when they lost in the playoffs despite being title favourites.

Under the guidance of manager Graham Alexander, Bradford ended last season strongly, winning six and drawing one of their last seven games. This late surge has given fans hope that the team can carry that momentum into the new season. There is a sense of optimism around the club, and many believe they have the potential to secure at least a top-seven finish this time around.

The summer transfer window has been positive for Bradford, with no major outgoings and several key additions to the squad. The defence has been strengthened with the signings of centre-backs Neill Byrne from Stockport County and Aden Baldwin from Notts County, as well as right-back Callum Johnson from Mansfield Town. In midfield, the arrival of Antoni Sarcevic from Stockport adds creativity and experience, while winger Tyreik Wright from Plymouth Argyle brings pace and flair to the attack.

The history between MK Dons and Bradford City adds an extra layer of intrigue to this encounter. Bradford have had the upper hand in recent meetings, winning three of the last four encounters between the two sides. Last season, the honours were even, with MK Dons winning 4-1 in one match, and Bradford responding with a 4-0 victory in the reverse fixture. This pattern suggests that both teams are capable of scoring goals and exploiting each other’s defensive frailties.

The clash between MK Dons and Bradford City on the opening weekend of the League Two season could be a tone-setting encounter for either side this season. Both teams have made significant changes over the summer and have high aspirations for the campaign ahead. MK Dons will be looking to put last season’s disappointment behind them and start afresh, while Bradford City aim to build on their strong finish and mount a serious promotion challenge.

This game will be aired live to all subscribed U.K. viewers on Sky Sports +.

MK Dons Team News:

As many as five new signings could line up for the Dons this weekend as Laurence Maguire, Luke Offord, Sam Sherring, Liam Kelly and Callum Hendry all look firmly in contention for a place in the starting XI.

Predicted lineup: McGill; Tucker, Sherring, Maguire; Tripp, Kelly, Offord, Tomlinson; Wearne, Gilbey; Hendry.

Bradford City Team News:

The Bantams will likely hand new signings Neill Byrne, Aden Baldwin and Tyreik Wright a place in the starting lineup.

Bradford need another big goalscoring campaign from striker Andy Cook, who bagged 17 goals last season.

Predicted lineup: Walker; Byrne, Baldwin, Kelly; Halliday, Walker, Smallwood, Wright; Kavanagh, Pointon; Cook.

MK Dons had a very tough end to last season as they won just one of their final five games of the season. Dons lost 1-4 to Mansfield Town, won 5-3 against Harrogate Town, drew 4-4 with Sutton United then lost 3-0 and 5-1 to Crawley Town in the playoffs.

Preseason results have been mixed, with Dons beating Chelmsford City (1-0) and Wealdstone (3-1), drawing 1-1 with Portsmouth and losing to Barnet (1-2) and Plymouth Argyle (0-1).

Bradford had an exceptional end to last season, winning all of their last five games. The Bantams recorded wins against Gillingham (1-0), Salford City (2-1), Walsall (3-2), Barrow (2-1) and Newport County (4-1).

Bradford's preseason results have been up and down, with the club beating Ried II and Sunderland both by 2-1 scorelines, drawing 0-0 with Altrincham and losing to Chorley (2-0) and Guiseley (2-1).

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