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2011-08-09 - Leeds United vs Bradford
A Sports Betting Pick by Auls
Football : Carling Cup
Tuesday 9 August 2011 - Kickoff 7:45pm
This game is live on TV
Leeds United
Leeds United would have been disappointed with their performance in the 3-1 defeat at Southampton, but Simon Grayson and the management staff will know it is a long season in the Championship with plenty more points to gain.
They begin their Carling Cup campaign with the knowledge that they have not lost in the 1st Round in their history, winning all 7 previous ties including against Lincoln City last season.
Leeds are unbeaten in their last 9 competitive games at Elland Road from last season, winning 4 of those games. They have won 8 of their last 12 Carling Cup games at Elland Road, losing 3 of those games.
Max Gradel, Robert Snodgrass and Darren O'Dea are all missing through international duty while Luciano Becchio and Davide Somma remain sidelined.
Bradford
This is a chance for this League Two club to take it to their bigger Yorkshire rivals. It is hard to believe that Bradford were actually a Premier League team 10 years ago and their fortunes have been on a downward spiral ever since the then board decided to outspend their means to try and survive in the top flight.
There was not a lot of expectation in the stands after a disappointing 18th finish last season, and those would not have been raised by a 1-2 home defeat against Aldershot over the weekend.
The defeat at the weekend means they have won just 1 of their last 8 competitive games stretching back to last season and they have actually lost 5 of those games. Bradford have lost 6 of their last 7 Carling Cup ties. They have lost 4 of their last 5 away from home in the competition, with the only exception being a penalty shoot out defeat.
Steve Williams is likely to come in for the injured Lee Bullock at centre half. Luke Oliver is expected to miss out through injury.
Head to Head
The last time these teams met was in the LDV Vans Trophy in the 2008/09 season. On that occasion, Leeds won 2-1 at home.
Their previous meeting before that was when both were Premier League sides in the 2000/01 season and Leeds won that game 6-1 here at Elland Road.
Prediction
The Carling Cup is a tough competition to predict as managers rotate their squads, while the internationals have affected some of the Championship sides.
Leeds are missing a few first team players, but I expect Simon Grayson will still send a strong side out to get their season up and running after a disappointing result on the opening day. They have a strong record in this competition at home and will be backed by a passionate home crowd against a local rival.
Bradford look like they will have another tough season on their hands if the 1-2 defeat to Aldershot shows anything, but the team should be plenty motivated to show their talents against a higher opposition.
I just think the players in the Championship will have a better fitness level that may be more obvious even at this early stage of the season, and I do think Leeds will progress through to the next round.
The Carling Cup is not a competition where big stakes should be risked, but I do think Leeds will come through tonight.
The Pick :
Leeds United 2-1 Bradford
FIXED ODDS BETTING TIP :
I'll back Leeds United @ 1.50 (Various)
