Skip to main content Skip to site footer
Club News

BIG MATCH PREVIEW: CITY v PORT VALE

21 October 2019

Club News

BIG MATCH PREVIEW: CITY v PORT VALE

21 October 2019

The Bantams contest their second home match in 72 hours - tomorrow evening - against Port Vale (7.45pm). 

Gary Bowyer's men go in search of their fourth-straight Sky Bet League Two victory, after overcoming Crawley Town 2-1, on Saturday.

The visiting Valiants have endured a difficult start to the season and are currently sat 16th after a 1-1 draw at home to Stevenage, at the weekend. 

We have compiled a Big Match Preview full of in-depth pre-match analysis - ahead of the encounter. 

TEAM NEWS

City: Adam Henley will be looking to keep his starting berth at right-back, with Kelvin Mellor now back fit. 

Dylan Connolly could return, having missed Saturday's victory over Crawley Town through injury, while Chris Taylor could make his debut. 

Bowyer will be without Clayton Donaldson, who he confirmed will be missing at least two months with a toe injury, after Saturday's win. 

Port Vale: Vale could line up with the same 11 which drew 1-1 at home to Stevenage on Saturday. 

Former City 'History Maker' Will Atkinson could appear against his former side, having signed for the Valiants earlier this month. 

WHAT THE MANAGERS SAID

Gary Bowyer: "It will be another tough game. John Askey and Dave Kevan, his assistant, are two great footballing men.

"They are a very well-organised team who are compact and carry a huge threat at the top end of the field. 

"We have to focus on ourselves and bring the same intensity from the first half and the character and desire towards the end of Saturday's game."

John Askey: "It is a game that, as a player you should be looking forward to.

"Bradford will have a decent crowd and they are a team who are expected to go up.

"We can go there relaxed and hopefully try to cause a bit of an upset."

LAST TIME OUT

City's last meeting with Vale came away in Sky Bet League One, in February 2017. 

The Bantams wrapped up a late 2-1 victory thanks to Alex Jones' first goal in claret and amber, on 74 minutes, 

Port Vale 1 (JJ Hopper 48')

Bradford City 2 (Romain Vincelot 41', Alex Jones 74')

Sky Bet League One

Saturday February 25th 2017

Attendance: 4,953

City: Colin Doyle; Tony McMahon, Rory McArdle, Nathaniel Knight-Percival, James Meredith (booked 37'); Josh Cullen, Romain Vincelot (c), Nicky Law (Alex Jones 72', booked 75'); Billy Clarke (Alex Gilliead 60'); Jordy Hiwula (booked 86'), Charlie Wyke (Timothee Dieng 77'). Subs (not used): Rouven Sattelmaier (GK), Kevin Toner, Stephen Darby, Daniel Devine. 
 
Port Vale: Leonardo Fasan; Ben Purkiss (c), Nathan Smith, Danny Pugh (booked 66'), Francisco Kiko; Chris Eagles (Olamide Shodipo 71'), Callum Guy, Sam Foley, Jerome Thomas (booked 41', Gezim Shalaj 85'); Anton Forrester (Dan Turner 78'), JJ Hopper. Subs (not used): Ryan Boot (GK), Scott Tanser, Sebastien Amoros, Sam Kelly. 
 
MATCH OFFICIALS
 
Graham Salisbury has taken charge of nine games this season, issuing 35 yellow cards. 
 
He oversaw City's FA Cup replay with Aldershot, last November, before officiating Vale's 2-2 draw with Cheltenham, four weeks later. 
 
The Lanchashire man will be flanked by Paul Newhouse and Billy Smallwood, with Barry Gordon taking on the role as fourth official.
 
MATCH COVERAGE

Supporters unable to make it to the Utilita Energy Stadium, tomorrow, can follow match action via the club’s official Twitter page.

Supporters can also buy an iFollow match pass for just £10, enabling them to enjoy the game from the comfort of their own home! CLICK HERE to purchase.  

IFollow subscribers can also catch all the reaction with post-match interviews and content.

The live feed will provide minute-by-minute coverage of the clash in addition to updates on other social media outlets such as Facebook and Instagram.

Full audio match commentary is available to iFollow Bantams subscribers, while BBC Radio Leeds’ Tim Steere and Andy Kiwomya will provide live radio commentary on 774 MW.

BACK THE BANTAMS - WITH SKY BET

City supporters can back their team for victory tomorrow with Sky Bet.

Gary Bowyer's men are currently placed as narrow 10/11 favourites to overcome the Valiants. 

Skipper James Vaughan is favourite to break the deadlock, priced at 7/2. 

City fans can place their bets by CLICKING HERE.

PLEASE NOTE: All odds are subject to change.

KIT COLOURS

City will wear their home strip of claret and amber stripes for the visit of Port Vale, with their visitors in their white home shirt, but their change gold shorts and socks.

City: Claret and Amber Stripes / Black with Amber Detail / Black with Amber Detail

Port Vale: White / Gold with Black Trim / Gold with Black Top


Advertisement block

iFollow Next Match Tickets Contact