Sheffield Wednesday host Bradford City at Hillsborough on Thursday night as both sides look to build on perfect starts to the League One campaign.
Sheffield Wednesday come into the clash with Bradford City looking to maintain their perfect record at the start of the 2026/27 campaign. After beating Bolton Wanderers in the Carabao Cup, SWFC defeated Leyton Orient on the opening day, winning 2-1 thanks to goals from Callum Slattery and Jamal Lowe.
Henrik Pedersen‘s squad has been completely rebuilt following the Owls’ takeover in May. It is hoped that Wednesday can compete for promotion back to the Championship at the earliest opportunity.
Bradford City have made a perfect start of their own heading into Thursday’s Yorkshire derby too. The Bantams have won both games 2-0, first dispatching of Rochdale in the cup before a home win over Peterborough United on the opening day.
After the highs of last season, Graham Alexander’s side have recruited well in a bid to challenge for promotion once again. Macaulay Gillesphey and Adam Phillips were among the new signings to impress on their league debuts against the Posh.
James Ray
“With two wins from two games, Sheffield Wednesday and Bradford City both come into this game with early momentum. It will be intriguing to see just how these two match up though, with many touting the Yorkshire pair to be in the battle for promotion.
“Hillsborough is a different place compared to the last couple of seasons. There is genuine hope and prosperity, and when the fans are behind the team, it is no secret that SWFC can be a real force on home turf.
“The Bantams are not going to be an easy game though. They were brilliant last year and have started this term faultlessly and will feel they can make a statement by winning away at Wednesday.
“I think we’ve got a close game on our hands. The hosts have the attacking talent to go and win but while a new-look squad continues to get, I think the visitors have the defensive steel and setup to grind out a good point.”
Prediction: Sheffield Wednesday 1-1 Bradford City
Harry Mail
“Sheffield Wednesday have made a decent start to the new season, despite sporting a new-look squad. SWFC will be feeling confident as they eye another win here.
“Hillsborough will be rocking for this one and the hosts will want to make home advantage count. They could still do with another striker in my opinion though.
Sheffield Wednesday’s striker options
“Bradford City also won on the opening day so will be in good spirits. BCAFC will also be backed by a bumper away crowd in South Yorkshire too.
“The Bantams made the play-offs last term so will want to take that next step this time around. I think they will have enough to get a draw against Henrik Pedersen’s side.”
Prediction: Sheffield Wednesday 1-1 Bradford City
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