Buoyed by a second half display against a more than useful Fleetwood side, City’s tough run against the high-fliers of the division continues with the first of two road trips and a visit to Bradford City. Paul Tisdale had the luxury of naming an unchanged starting eleven against Fleetwood, and he may well opt for further continuity on Saturday, although Tom Doherty in particular will be pushing to feature if only to prove to his former employers that he is still more than capable at this level.

After a few seasons in the doldrums, Bradford have emerged this season as the genuine promotion contenders their pre-season odds predicted. After a few poor choices of manager the Bantams have finally found some stability with Phil Parkinson, and currently lie fourth in the table. They have also been something of a cup team this season, with a run to the quarter finals of the Capital One Cup alongside progress in the FA Cup and JPT. Key to their success has been the form of Nahki Wells, the striker has 13 goals in all competitions this season. One crumb of comfort to City may be that Bradford not only had a tiring midweek, going all the way to penalties in their FA Cup replay with Northampton, but also they are facing something of a defensive injury crisis, including the long-term loss of the behemoth Luke Oliver.

The sides have a fairly even head-to-head record, Bradford just ahead by 15 wins to City’s 13 (11 draws). City’s last two visits to Valley Parade have, however, seen Bradford notch ten times to City’s one, the latter being a 4-1 hammering during City’s ultimately successful 08/09 season. The last time City won at Bradford was something of a collector’s item as it came during the wretched 1983/84 season!
Match Officials: http://www.exeweb.com/2012/11/12/match-officials-announced-for-bradford-city-game/

Our guide to travel, pubs and the ground: http://www.exeweb.com/2012/06/15/the-things-you-need-to-know-valley-parade/

By Jason H