Bradford vs Lincoln Prediction

Right then, let's have a proper look at this Tuesday night treat! We've got ourselves a cracking top-six clash in League One, with Bradford sitting pretty in 4th and Lincoln lurking just behind in 6th. Both sides are bang in the mix for them promotion spots, so expect no quarter given here.

Bradford have been turning their place into a right proper fortress this season, winning 83% of their home games. They're absolutely rattling them in at home too - 2.67 goals per game on average! But here's the thing, they're also a bit generous at the back, letting in 1.17 per game on their own patch. Looking at their recent results, they've had some proper thrillers - that 2-2 draw with Barnsley, the 3-2 win against AFC Wimbledon. Basically, when Bradford play at home, you're almost guaranteed both teams will score (90% of their recent games have seen both sides get on the scoresheet).

Now for Lincoln, and they're a different kettle of fish entirely on their travels. They've been solid as a rock away from home, winning two-thirds of their away games. But what's really impressive is their defence on the road - only letting in 0.33 goals per game! That's tighter than a drum. They've kept five clean sheets in their last ten, which is proper decent for this level. The only worry is they're not exactly free-scoring away, only managing 1.33 goals per game on their travels.

Lincoln's recent form has taken a bit of a dip though. They lost 1-0 to Leyton Orient in their last game, and before that only scraped a 1-0 win against Stevenage. The goals seem to have dried up a bit recently.

The head-to-head makes for grim reading if you're a Bradford fan. Lincoln have absolutely battered them in their two meetings, winning 0-3 and 0-5. Bradford haven't even found the net against them! Though to be fair, those were a few years back, so maybe take that with a pinch of salt.

This one's got all the makings of a proper tactical battle. Bradford will want to play their usual attacking game at home, but Lincoln's away defence is no joke. I reckon Lincoln will come and park the bus, frustrate Bradford, and look to hit on the break. Given how tight Lincoln are defensively away from home, this might not be the goal-fest we usually see when Bradford are at home.

Key Points:

Bradford are scoring for fun at home (2.67 goals/game) but also conceding regularly (1.17/game)

Lincoln have been brilliant defensively away, only letting in 0.33 goals per game on their travels

90% of Bradford's recent games have seen both teams score

Lincoln have kept 5 clean sheets in their last 10 games

Lincoln have won both previous meetings 0-3 and 0-5

Lincoln's recent form shows a dip in goals scored

The way I see it, Lincoln's defensive record on the road is too good to ignore. They'll make it tough for Bradford, and while the Bantams will have plenty of the ball, breaking down that organised Lincoln defence won't be easy. This has got 1-1 or 1-0 written all over it for me.