It has been another terrific cup run for Phil Parkinson and his Bradford players. After reaching the 2013 League Cup final, where they eventually lost to Swansea, the club have reached the quarter finals of the FA Cup for the first time in nearly 40 years. It’s an even more impressive feat when you consider their route to this stage. They got past non league opposition in the first two rounds, before seeing off Championship side Millwall after a replay. Their fourth round tie will be considered one of the biggest cup shocks of all time after coming from 2-0 down to beat Chelsea 4-2, at Stamford Bridge. They followed that win with a comfortable 2-0 win at home to Sunderland to book their place in the last eight.
The FA Cup has been something of a good distraction for Reading in what has been an underwhelming season in the Championship. The ironic thing is that despite their improved form in this competition, every game has been against teams from their own league. They have seen off Huddersfield, Cardiff City and Derby, all by a one goal margin. Being drawn against a side from a different division will be something of a novelty for them but they have been drawn away from home for the fourth straight tie. Although they have yet to secure their safety, you can be assured that Steve Clarke will be going all out to take advantage of this opportunity.
Anybody wanting to be entertained only has to follow Bradford’s in this season’s FA Cup. In their six games to date (including a replay) they have scored 19 goals. As well as the 4-2 win over Chelsea they have been involved in a 4-0, a 4-1 and a 3-3, so the supporters have definitely had value for money. Their record at home in this competition is also very good as they have not lost an FA Cup tie at Valley Parade since 2008 – winning six and drawing one of their last seven.
One win in their last six league games has stuttered Reading’s initial climb up the table under Steve Clarke. Frustratingly for the manager has been the lack of goals during that spell of games, managing just one. If there is a positive to take out of it, it would be that the one goal came in their most recent game and earned them a point away to Bolton. Clarke will be hoping that is the start of them scoring more freely, otherwise they could well be another scalp for this Bradford team.
No matter what happens in the first of the weekend’s FA Cup quarter finals, there will be one Football League side in the semi-finals. It is a huge incentive for both clubs and one which they will be determined to achieve. The style of Bradford’s play thus far in this competition has been to go and win the game, no matter who the opposition is, and that will be no different here. Reading do have more quality all round but there are so many levellers in this tie and it’s one that I feel is too hard to call. Considering how free-scoring Bradford have been, I think the overs is the way to go here. They score goals with ease but give up a few as well.
Over 2.5 goals 6/5 @ Betfair
