Guiseley vs Bradford PA: Match Preview, Predictions and Betting Tips
Published on Thursday, 01 October 2026 by Steve
Guiseley vs Bradford (Park Avenue) Prediction
Emirates FA Cup Third Qualifying Round Prediction & Betting Tips
Match Overview
26/27 Emirates FA Cup Match Preview: Bradford (Park Avenue) | Guiseley AFC
Guiseley welcome Bradford (Park Avenue) to Nethermoor Park on Saturday afternoon for a highly attractive West Yorkshire derby in the Emirates FA Cup third qualifying round. The tie brings together two familiar rivals at very different levels of the 2026/27 non-league pyramid. Guiseley are competing in the Northern Premier League Premier Division, while Bradford (Park Avenue) are attempting to climb out of the NPL East Division. That one-level difference, combined with home advantage and the depth of Ian Richardsâ rebuilt squad, explains why Guiseley are clear favourites with European bookmakers. Our full match prediction is Guiseley 3-1 Bradford (Park Avenue), although the visitorsâ outstanding early-season form means this should be far more competitive than the divisional gap suggests.
The Lions have made a promising start to 2026/27 and arrive with four wins and one draw from their most recent five matches in all competitions. Across that sequence they have scored 12 goals, an average of 2.4 per game, while conceding five. Their attacking numbers have been encouraging, but Richards will be aware that his team has not been watertight. That openness makes Bradford PA a dangerous underdog because Craig Elliottâs side has begun the campaign with exceptional defensive discipline. The visitors are unbeaten in the league, recently extended that run to nine matches with a ten-man 1-0 victory at Matlock Town, and have conceded only twice across their last five fixtures. Readers looking for more selections from the English non-league programme can visit our football predictions for today and compare this fixture with the rest of the dayâs coupon.
The latest team news adds an intriguing personal storyline. Guiseley goalkeeper Jack Hall joined the Lions from Bradford (Park Avenue) during the summer and now faces his former club at Nethermoor. His familiarity with the visitorsâ attacking patterns could prove valuable, particularly when Bradford PA look to deliver early crosses towards their physical forwards. Guiseleyâs summer recruitment also brought Adam Lund, Frankie Sinfield, Charlie Staniland, Cam Wilson, Aaron Martin, Jay Rollins, Paul Iggulden, Jack Tinker and Michael Roxburgh into the first-team group. Bradford PA, meanwhile, have retained important players such as Connor Shanks, Connor Brown, Kareem Hassan-Smith, Luke Parkin and Ben Andreucci while adding Declan Lambton, Rudy Misambo, Scott Duxbury, Jake Thompson and Brad Abbott. The visitors are organised and confident, but Guiseleyâs greater attacking variety is expected to be the decisive factor.
Tactical Preview
GETTING TO KNOW - Rudy Misambo
Formation & Key Matchups
Guiseley 4-2-3-1
Ian Richards is expected to use a structured 4-2-3-1 that gives Guiseley security through the middle without sacrificing width. Jack Hall should start in goal behind a back four of Lucas Odunston, Elliot Owen, captain Lebrun Mbeka and Jack Tinker. Harrison Hopper and Adam Lund can provide protection in front of the defence, allowing Jay Rollins, Amir Berchil and Will Longbottom or Cam Wilson to operate behind Jordan Thewlis. The key is the positioning of the attacking midfielders. When Guiseley build from the back, Berchil can drift between lines and receive on the half-turn, while Rollins stretches the pitch by attacking the outside-right channel. Thewlis, meanwhile, is most effective when the ball is played quickly into his feet or when runners break beyond him. That combination of a focal striker, mobile support and overlapping full-backs has produced Guiseleyâs strong scoring return this season. For a broader explanation of how systems influence betting angles, see our analysis of the evolution of football tactics.
Bradford (Park Avenue) 4-2-3-1
Craig Elliott is likely to answer with a compact 4-2-3-1 designed to deny Guiseley time between the lines. Declan Lambton is expected to start in goal, with Kareem Hassan-Smith and Connor Brown operating as full-backs outside Rudy Misambo and Scott Duxbury. Connor Shanks and Jake Thompson could form the central pairing, with Louie Chorlton and Adam Haw providing energy in the wide areas around Brad Abbott. Luke Parkin is the probable focal point, with Ben Andreucci offering a different option from the bench. Bradford PAâs success this season has been built on collective defensive work: the front players press selectively rather than constantly, the midfield stays compact, and the back four defends the penalty area aggressively. Their ten-man win at Matlock demonstrated both their resilience and Elliottâs ability to adapt during a match. However, playing one division lower means they will see less of the ball than they are accustomed to and may spend longer periods defending their own box.
Critical Vulnerability
Bradford PAâs most significant vulnerability is the space that can appear behind their full-backs when they attempt to press higher up the pitch. Hassan-Smith is naturally aggressive and may step forward to support attacks, while Guiseley have several players capable of moving quickly into the resulting channel. Rollinsâ direct running, Berchilâs ability to slip a pass through a compressed midfield and Longbottomâs timing from the opposite flank could stretch the visitorsâ back line. The central battle between Thewlis and the physically imposing Misambo will also be important. If Thewlis can pin Misambo and create room for runners, Guiseley should generate high-quality chances. Conversely, if Misambo and Duxbury dominate aerial balls and force Guiseley wide, Bradford PA will have a platform from which to counterattack through Haw and Chorlton. Data-minded readers can explore the relevance of chance creation and territorial pressure in our article on modern football metrics.
Team News & Squad Status
Guiseley đľđĄ
- Ian Richardsâ 2026/27 squad: Jack Hall, Michael Roxburgh, Lebrun Mbeka, Ollie Brown, Lucas Odunston, Elliot Owen, Kyle White, Paul Iggulden, Jack Tinker, Jack Emmett, Harrison Hopper, Adam Lund, Frankie Sinfield, Charlie Staniland, Jordan Thewlis, Amir Berchil, Will Longbottom, Cam Wilson, Aaron Martin and Jay Rollins.
- Captain available: Lebrun Mbeka remains central to the side following his retention for 2026/27 and is expected to lead the defence.
- Former-club storyline: Jack Hall joined Guiseley from Bradford (Park Avenue) in the summer and is in line to face his previous team.
- Attacking options: Jordan Thewlis, Jay Rollins, Cam Wilson, Aaron Martin, Will Longbottom and Amir Berchil give Richards several ways to change the game.
- Late fitness checks: No new suspension was reported before publication, but Guiseleyâs final training session will determine whether every attacking option is available for selection.
Bradford (Park Avenue) đ˘âŞ
- Craig Elliottâs 2026/27 group: Declan Lambton, Connor Brown, Rudy Misambo, Scott Duxbury, Kareem Hassan-Smith, Connor Shanks, Jake Thompson, Brad Abbott, Louie Chorlton, Adam Haw, Luke Parkin, Ben Andreucci and their supporting squad members.
- Strong start: The Avenue extended their unbeaten league beginning to nine matches with a 1-0 victory at Matlock Town on 29 September.
- Defensive resilience: The Matlock win was achieved with ten players, underlining the organisation and mentality within Elliottâs side.
- Important retentions: Connor Shanks and Connor Brown have remained with the club, while Kareem Hassan-Smith continues to provide an attacking outlet from defence.
- New additions: Rudy Misambo and Scott Duxbury add size and experience, while Jake Thompson and Brad Abbott strengthen the midfield.
Predicted Lineups
Enhanced: Talented Shanks Recruited - Gainsborough Trinity Football Club
| Guiseley 4-2-3-1 | Bradford (Park Avenue) 4-2-3-1 |
|---|---|
| Jack Hall | Declan Lambton |
| Lucas Odunston | Kareem Hassan-Smith |
| Elliot Owen | Rudy Misambo |
| Lebrun Mbeka (C) | Scott Duxbury |
| Jack Tinker | Connor Brown |
| Harrison Hopper | Connor Shanks |
| Adam Lund | Jake Thompson |
| Jay Rollins | Louie Chorlton |
| Amir Berchil | Brad Abbott |
| Will Longbottom | Adam Haw |
| Jordan Thewlis | Luke Parkin |
Head-to-Head Record
Rollins In At Nethermoor | Guiseley AFC
Guiseley and Bradford (Park Avenue) have met regularly across non-league football, with the historical record covering 21 meetings since 2008. Guiseley hold a clear advantage with ten victories, Bradford PA have won six and five matches have ended level. The Lions have also had the better of the more recent league encounters, winning 1-0 at the Horsfall in January 2024 and remaining unbeaten across their last six meetings before this cup tie. Their most recent league contest at Nethermoor in August 2023 finished 2-2, while the two sides also played out a goalless draw in April 2022 and a 1-0 Guiseley home success in December 2021.
The FA Cup has produced one especially painful memory for Guiseley supporters. Bradford PA won 2-0 at Nethermoor in September 2013, making this weekendâs tie an opportunity for the Lions to reverse an old cup result. Since then, however, Guiseleyâs recent meetings with the Avenue have generally been tighter and lower-scoring. Four of the last five league matches between the clubs before 2026 contained fewer than three goals, with the 2-2 draw in 2023 the only exception. Even so, the attacking output of both current squads suggests this meeting could depart from that pattern. Guiseley have scored 12 times in their last five matches, while Bradford PAâs 7-1 league victory over Grimsby Borough in September demonstrated their attacking ceiling against stretched opposition. Those seeking a wider view of low-odds favourites can compare this fixture with our regularly updated banker of the day selections.
Key Players Comparison
Thewlis remains Guiseleyâs principal penalty-box striker and a player whose movement is central to the teamâs attacking structure. He is not simply a target man: his best work often comes when he drops towards the ball, links play and creates space for Rollins, Berchil and the wider runners. Bradford PAâs central defenders will need to stay tight without being drawn too far out of position.
Rollins provides the direct pace that can exploit the channels behind an advancing full-back. His arrival from Worksop Town added another penalty-box threat to Richardsâ forward line. If Guiseley win the turnover battle, Rollins is the player most likely to turn defensive possession into a fast scoring opportunity.
Shanks has made more than 100 appearances for the Avenue and is one of the trusted leaders in Elliottâs squad. His ability to compete in central areas, retain possession under pressure and support attacks will be essential if Bradford PA are to spend periods away from their own goal.
Misambo was recruited to add size, pace and front-foot defending. At 6ft 4in, he offers Bradford PA a significant aerial advantage and should be directly responsible for dealing with Thewlis. If Misambo wins the majority of direct duels, the visitors can remain compact and frustrate the home crowd.
The decisive individual contest may be Thewlis against Misambo, but the overall quality of attacking support surrounding them is where Guiseley appear stronger. Thewlis can expect service from Berchil between the lines, Rollins attacking from the right and either Longbottom or Wilson providing balance from the left. That variety should prevent Bradford PA from concentrating solely on one source of danger. The visitorsâ threat is more dependent on coordinated counters. Hawâs work rate, Chorltonâs willingness to carry the ball and Shanksâ experience can create chances, but they may have fewer opportunities than Guiseley. If Bradford PA score first, their compact defensive structure would make the match considerably more difficult for the hosts. Guiseleyâs likely route to victory therefore involves early pressure, patience against a disciplined block and quick circulation from one flank to the other. More detailed advice on evaluating individual matchups is available in our guide to using advanced football metrics.
The Managers
Ian Richards
Richards took charge of Guiseley on 30 October 2025 after building an excellent reputation with Stocksbridge Park Steels and Penistone Church. His Stocksbridge team earned promotion to the Northern Premier League Premier Division in 2024/25, and his work at Penistone included taking the club through several levels while competing for county and regional honours. His Guiseley project has focused on creating a more dynamic and flexible squad, with the summer recruitment adding competition in every area of the pitch.
The Guiseley manager knows Bradford (Park Avenue) well from his own playing career. Richards represented the Avenue before moving into management, giving this fixture an additional personal dimension. His team has produced a strong attacking return in recent weeks, but the challenge here is to combine that creativity with enough control to prevent Bradford PA from turning the game into a series of direct transitions. Cup management may also be important. With several experienced forwards and midfielders available, Richards has the substitutions to change the match if the opening hour remains tight.
Craig Elliott
Elliott took over Bradford (Park Avenue) in 2025 and subsequently agreed a contract extension through the end of the 2026/27 season. He has assembled a squad that combines continuity with targeted experience, and the early results have vindicated that approach. The Avenueâs unbeaten league start, reinforced by the disciplined ten-man victory at Matlock, reflects a clear tactical identity and strong dressing-room mentality.
Elliottâs task at Nethermoor is to bridge a one-division gap without abandoning the principles that have made his team difficult to beat. Expect Bradford PA to remain compact, compete aggressively for second balls and attack quickly when possession is recovered. Elliott may also use his bench to introduce fresh legs if Guiseley begin to control territory. His experience in promotion campaigns means he will not be overawed by the occasion, but his side must avoid becoming too passive. If the visitors defend for 90 minutes without offering a consistent counterattacking outlet, Guiseleyâs pressure is likely to produce goals.
Betting Predictions & Tips
Odds: 1.60
Guiseley are the strongest selection because they combine home advantage, a superior historical record and a squad built at the higher NPL Premier Division level. Their recent attacking output also compares favourably with Bradford PAâs schedule. Although the visitors are unbeaten in the league and have conceded only twice in their last five matches, they have not yet faced an opponent with Guiseleyâs combination of central quality and wide penetration. A short home price is justified, but it remains the safest angle on the game. Readers can compare this selection with other favourites on our daily football prediction page.
Odds: 3.10
The value recommendation anticipates Guiseley winning an open cup tie rather than keeping a clean sheet. Bradford PA have scored consistently this season, and their wide players are capable of exploiting the space left when Guiseleyâs full-backs advance. Guiseley, meanwhile, have scored 12 goals across their last five matches but have conceded five. The projected 3-1 scoreline fits this market particularly well. If you prefer to separate the two outcomes, our both teams to score predictions provide a useful specialist guide.
Odds: 1.72
Both teams arrive in strong attacking form. Guiseleyâs recent matches have produced an average of 3.4 total goals, while Bradford PAâs last five have averaged 2.6. The visitorsâ impressive defensive record may tempt some bettors towards the under, but their clean sheets have primarily come against opponents at their own divisional level. Guiseley should create more sustained pressure than Bradford PA are accustomed to facing. Cup tension can sometimes make third-round qualifiers cautious, yet the tactical profiles of these teams point towards chances at both ends. For broader advice on interpreting totals, see our over/under betting guide.
Odds: 2.20
This handicap offers a more aggressive alternative to the straight home win. Guiseleyâs attacking depth gives them a realistic chance of winning by at least two clear goals, particularly if they score early and force Bradford PA to abandon their compact defensive plan. The Asian line also provides a degree of protection: a one-goal Guiseley victory would result in a stake refund rather than a loss. Given our 3-1 prediction, the handicap is consistent with the expected match pattern, although it is riskier than the base home-win selection.
Odds: 12.00
The 3-1 correct score is the speculative play and reflects the most likely combination of Guiseleyâs attacking superiority and Bradford PAâs ability to remain competitive. A home victory by that margin accounts for the Lionsâ recent scoring form while recognising that Elliottâs side has enough resilience to find a goal. Correct-score markets should always be treated as high-variance options and used sparingly within a responsible staking plan. Our dedicated correct score tips page explains how to approach these markets with greater discipline.
đ Final Score Prediction
Match Analysis
Guiseley 3-1 Bradford (Park Avenue). The forecast anticipates a competitive opening period in which Bradford PAâs compact shape prevents Guiseley from establishing immediate control. The visitors are too well coached and too confident to be overwhelmed early, and their wide counterattacks could produce the first serious warning signs. As the half develops, however, Guiseleyâs superior divisional status should become apparent. Berchilâs movement between the lines and the width supplied by Rollins and Longbottom will stretch Bradford PAâs defensive block, creating openings for Thewlis and the advancing midfielders.
Guiseleyâs first goal is expected to be the turning point because it will force Bradford PA to move higher up the pitch. That should create additional space for the Lions to add a second, either from a wide combination or a rebound after pressure around Lambtonâs goal. Bradford PA are still fancied to score once as their recent attacking performances have been strong and Guiseley have not been flawless defensively. A set piece, second-ball situation or direct counterattack could provide the visitorsâ route to goal. Nevertheless, Guiseleyâs bench offers greater game-changing potential through Wilson, Martin, Sinfield, Emmett and Staniland. One late home goal is therefore projected to complete a 3-1 victory and send the Lions into the next round.
Key Insights & Statistics
- Guiseleyâs recent form: Four wins and one draw from their last five matches, with 12 goals scored and five conceded.
- Bradford PAâs defensive form: Five consecutive wins in the most recent five-match sample, with only two goals conceded and three clean sheets.
- League difference: Guiseley compete in the NPL Premier Division, one level above Bradford PAâs NPL East Division.
- Head-to-head advantage: Guiseley have won ten of the 21 recorded meetings since 2008, compared with six Bradford PA victories and five draws.
- Recent derby trend: Guiseley were unbeaten in the last six league meetings before this seasonâs cup tie.
- Goal expectation: Guiseley have averaged 2.4 goals across their last five matches, while Bradford PA have averaged 2.2.
- Disciplinary resilience: Bradford PA won 1-0 at Matlock despite playing with ten players in their most recent league fixture.
- Former-player storyline: Guiseley goalkeeper Jack Hall joined from Bradford PA during the summer and is expected to face his old club.
- Attacking depth: Thewlis, Rollins, Berchil, Longbottom, Wilson and Martin give Guiseley more proven forward options.
- Bradford PAâs key duel: Rudy Misamboâs physical contest with Jordan Thewlis could determine whether the visitors can keep the match tight.
- Primary betting angle: Guiseley to win at European odds of 1.60, with over 2.5 goals offering additional appeal at 1.72.
- Value selection: Guiseley to win with both teams scoring at 3.10 aligns closely with the projected 3-1 scoreline.
- Expected pattern: Bradford PA should defend compactly and counter, but prolonged pressure from Guiseleyâs wider attacking structure is likely to create multiple chances.
- Match timing: The third qualifying-round tie kicks off at 15:00 BST on Saturday, 3 October 2026 at Nethermoor Park.
Conclusion
Bradford (Park Avenue) deserve considerable respect. Their unbeaten league start, strong defensive record and resilient ten-man victory at Matlock confirm that they will arrive at Nethermoor with genuine confidence. Craig Elliott has created a side that understands its tactical responsibilities, competes for every ball and remains dangerous when the opposition commits players forward. Guiseley cannot afford to treat this as a routine home fixture against lower-league opposition.
Even so, the overall balance still points towards a home victory. Guiseley operate one division higher, have dominated the recent head-to-head record and possess the attacking depth to test Bradford PA in several different ways. Jordan Thewlis offers a reliable focal point, Amir Berchil can operate between the lines, and Jay Rollins provides the direct pace needed to stretch a compact defence. If Ian Richardsâ team scores first, the visitors will be required to take more risks and the match should open up.
Our final prediction is therefore Guiseley 3-1 Bradford (Park Avenue). The recommended main selection is Guiseley to win at 1.60, with over 2.5 goals at 1.72 and the correct score of 3-1 at 12.00 completing the value selections. For additional analysis across English and European competitions, visit our todayâs football predictions, correct score tips and beginnerâs guide to reading betting odds.
