Newcastle are unbeaten in four meetings with Bradford City, winning three of them, albeit the most recent of these came in March 2001 when Clarence Acuña scored a late equaliser at Valley Parade.
Newcastle vs Bradford preview
Newcastle United worked so hard to win last season's Carabao Cup that they're desperate not to relinquish the trophy at the first hurdle. March's final victory over Liverpool saw the Magpies win major domestic silverware for the first time in 70 years, so how far will they go this time?
Well, Eddie Howe's team have made something of a mixed start to this season. On Sunday, the Toon Army endured a third goalless draw in five Premier League matches already, holding Bournemouth to a stalemate by the South Coast. Having lost to Liverpool and then beaten Wolves, they sit 13th.
Meantime, last Thursday, Newcastle began their Champions League campaign with a rollercoaster 2-1 defeat at the hands of Barcelona; Anthony Gordon's goal back coming too late to spark a full-scale comeback on Tyneside. Next up, on Wednesday, Howe's side will face competition debutants Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, looking to leave Brussels with three points. Before that, there is Sunday's blockbuster clash with Arsenal, but here, will the holders cruise into the EFL Cup fourth round?
As for Bradford City, it is now a quarter of a century since they were relegated from the Premier League, but they did of course reach the League Cup Final of 2013, doing so as a fourth-tier outfit, before being demolished 5-0 by Swansea. This season, the Bantams have ousted Blackburn and Stoke, so are actually on the cusp of reaching round four for the first time since being beaten finalists.
Following promotion from League Two last season, Graham Alexander's side are targeting back-to-back promotions, currently top of EFL League One, winning six of nine fixtures to date, including all four at home. On Saturday, Bradford beat Cardiff 3-1 in South Wales, Tommy Leigh, Antoni Sarcevic and Josh Neufville all scoring, so will come into this tie full of confidence. Nevertheless, Newcastle will surely prove to be far too strong for the third-tier leaders at St James' Park on Wednesday.
Newcastle United vs Bradford City head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 43.
- Newcastle United Wins: 20. Draws: 9. Bradford City Wins: 14.
Newcastle team news
Fabian Schär is sidelined due to a concussion suffered against Barcelona, while Yoane Wissa is out with a knee injury and Jacob Ramsey has an ankle issue. In better news, Anthony Gordon could feature, having served his three-match domestic suspension.
In goal, Aaron Ramsdale will debut, so far unable to displace Nick Pope as the number one.
Eddie Howe switched to a back three for Sunday's draw with Bournemouth, making his lineup for this cup tie tough to predict, but he'll surely rotate, with Arsenal visiting Tyneside at the weekend. Club captain Jamaal Lascelles came off the bench in Dorset, making his first appearance since rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament against West Ham in March 2024, hoping for more minutes here too.
Newcastle United predicted lineup vs Bradford City: (4-3-3): Ramsdale; Trippier, Krafth, Botman, Hall; Miley, Willock, Joelinton; Murphy, Barnes, Osula.
Newcastle United player to watch vs Bradford City
Nick Woltemade marked his home debut by scoring the winner against Wolves earlier this month so, likely to feature at some point, can their club-record signing add to his tally on Wednesday?
Newcastle vs Bradford prediction
We're backing Newcastle to cruise through, even though Eddie Howe will heavily rotate and Bradford are in great form, we simply cannot see an upset on Tyneside: Newcastle United 3-0 Bradford City.
Newcastle vs Bradford FAQs - Carabao Cup
How to watch Newcastle United vs Bradford City in the Carabao Cup on TV channel?
Newcastle United vs Bradford City in the Carabao Cup will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: Sky Sports Football
- USA: Paramount+
- Canada: DAZN Canada
How to watch Newcastle United vs Bradford City in the Carabao Cup on live streaming?
Newcastle United vs Bradford City in the Carabao Cup will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: SkyGo & NOW TV.
- USA: Paramount+
- Canada: DAZN Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Newcastle United vs Bradford City in the Carabao Cup?
Newcastle United vs Bradford City takes place on Wednesday 24 September 2025, with kick off at 19:45 (BST), 14:45 (EDT) & 11:45 (PDT).