The Bantams are set to begin their Sky Bet League Two campaign against Exeter City at St James Park tomorrow afternoon (3.00pm).
Derek Adams will be looking to win his first competitive match in charge of the Bantams, in front of travelling supporters for the first time in a competitive fixture since March 2020.
The Grecians are entering their 10th-consecutive season in the fourth-tier of English football.
We have put together a Big Match Preview with all the important details heading into the encounter.
PRE-SEASON RECORDS
The Bantams triumphed in all but one of their pre-season outings, while Exeter drew three and lost three, with one draw.
City:
Played: 7
Won: 6
Drew: 0
Lost: 1
Exeter:
Played: 7
Won: 3
Drew: 1
Lost: 3
TEAM NEWS
City: The Bantams will be without Yann Songo'o for their trip to Devon, with the commanding midfielder still recovering from a knee injury.
Caolan Lavery will also miss out against the Grecians, after Derek Adams admitted he was not up to 100% fitness, having signed this week.
Alex Gilliead is expected to make his third debut for the Bantams at St James Park, while there could be a further five City bows.
Exeter: Matt Taylor will be without injured due Alex Hartridge and Archie Collins for the visit of the Bantams, though captain Matt Jay is fit, having picked up a knock last week.
Former City midfielder Timothee Dieng is expected to line up against Adams' men at St James Park, alongside fellow new signing Jonathan Grounds.
Exeter will, however, also be without the influential Joel Randall who completed a permanent move to Peterborough United earlier this week.
POTENTIAL DEBUTS
Up to five of Derek Adams' squad could make their bow for the Bantams tomorrow, with summer signings Caolan Lavery and Yann Songo'o both ruled out.
CITY: Oscar Threlkeld, Liam Ridehalgh, Fiacre Kelleher, Abo Eisa, Lee Angol.
EXETER: Scott Brown, Cameron Dawson, Jonathan Grounds, George Ray, Callum Rowe, Timothee Dieng, Josh Coley, Jevani Brown, Sam Nombe.
WHAT THE MANAGERS SAID
Derek Adams: "It will be a tough game and we are expecting a good, early test.
"Exeter are a good side who are always up there in this division. I came to this club with the aim of getting promoted out of Sky Bet League Two."
Matt Taylor: "There will be a full away end, and I know our fans always respond well to away fans. They have been away for so long, but I know they will get behind the team.
"Derek Adams has put together a really strong team, and the work he has done in the past with other clubs will bode well for Bradford. They are a big club and deserve to be in a much higher league."
LAST TIME OUT
The last meeting between the two teams was in early February.
Despite Charles Vernam and Oliver Crankshaw scoring on their City debuts, the Grecians came from behind twice to edge a five-goal thriller in Devonshire.
Exeter City 3 (Pierce Sweeney 41’, Ryan Bowman 61’, Matt Jay 79' pen).
City 2 (Charles Vernam 14’, Oliver Crankshaw 45’).
Saturday 6 February 2021
CITY: Sam Hornby; Connor Wood, Paudie O’Connor ©, Anthony O’Connor, Finn Cousin-Dawson (Niall Canavan 68’); Levi Sutton (Harry Pritchard 69’), Elliot Watt; Ollie Crankshaw (Kian Scales 86’), Callum Cooke, Jordan Stevens (Clayton Donaldson 73’); Charles Vernam (Rumarn Burrell 86’). Subs (not used): Will Huffer, Matthew Foulds.
GOALS: Vernam (17’), Crankshaw (45’).
EXETER: Jokull Andresson; Jack Sparkes, Pierce Sweeney, Tom Parkes, Lewis Page (Jake Caprice 25’); Robbie Willmott (Alex Hartridge 85’), Jake Taylor ©, Archie Collins, Josh Key (Joel Randall 71’); Ryan Bowman, Matt Jay (Ben Seymour 84’). Subs (not used): Jonny Maxted, Nigel Atangana, Alex Fisher.
GOALS: Sweeney (42’), Bowman (61’), Jay (79’ pen).
MATCH OFFICIALS
Sam Allison took charge of 35 matches during the 2020/21 campaign, issuing a total of 102 yellow cards and one red.
He last officiated the Bantams in their goalless draw away to Cambridge United back in January, and last oversaw Exeter in their 1-1 home draw with Bolton Wanderers - which also took place during the first month of the year.
Allison will be flanked by Simon Shaw and Mark Derrien - along with Alex James, who has been confirmed as the fourth official.
MATCH COVERAGE
For the City supporters who are unable to make the long trip to St James Park, you can follow the action with regular updates on the club’s official Twitter page.
You will also be able to catch updates on other social media platforms, such as Facebook and Instagram.
Full audio match commentary is available to iFollow Bantams subscribers, while BBC Radio Leeds’ Jamie Raynor and Andy Kiwomya will provide live commentary through DAB radio and the BBC Sounds app.
IFollow subscribers can also catch all the reaction - with post-match interviews and content.
BACK THE BANTAMS - WITH SKY BET
City supporters are able to back their team for a victory through Sky Bet.
The West Yorkshire side are currently favourites to win the encounter - at 2/1 odds.
City are also 4/1 to win the match without the hosts scoring, with one price boost available.
Supporters can place their bets by CLICKING HERE.
PLEASE NOTE: All odds are subject to change. Please gamble responsibly.
KIT COLOURS
City are set to debut their all-new hyper blue third kit in competitive action, while Matt Taylor’s side will play in their traditional red and white colours.
To 'Feel the ElectriCity' ahead of tomorrow's clash, by purchasing the all-new 2021/22 third strip, please CLICK HERE.
City: Hyper Blue / Hyper Blue / Hyper Blue
Exeter: Red and White Stripes / Red / Red