The Bantams are on the road for their first game of 2022, with a visit to Cumbria for a clash with Barrow at 3.00pm in Sky Bet League Two.
This will be City's first outing in three weeks, after COVID cases in the squad forced three games over Christmas to be postponed.
The two sides met in West Yorkshire back in September, playing out a draw after the visitors' early goal was matched by Charles Vernam’s leveller just shy of the hour mark.
Three points separate the two teams ahead of kick-off, with the same number of places between them. The hosts have played a game more than City - drawing with Oldham Athletic on Wednesday.
We have created a Big Match Preview to give you all the key details you need to know, heading into the encounter.
TEAM NEWS
City: Derek Adams and his team are still assessing a number of players who are getting back up to full fitness having been sidelined with COVID.
Andy Cook and Charles Vernam remain doubts with their respective injuries, but Adams insists the unexpected break has afforded them extra recovery time.
Niall Canavan begins his delayed suspension after receiving a red card in the Bantams’ clash with Sutton United. This is the only game he will be banned for, though.
Abo Eisa underwent surgery before Christmas on a hamstring injury he picked up at Scunthorpe, and remains a long-term absentee.
Barrow: Former Bantam Jamie Devitt continues his lengthy spell on the sidelines after picking up a calf injury in November.
George Williams will also miss the clash due to a fractured collarbone.
WHAT THE MANAGER SAID
Derek Adams: “Barrow are a good footballing side.
“They drew against Oldham midweek, putting in a good performance and they gave us a difficult test in the return fixture.
“We have got options available. We have more than the 14 players that the EFL require and will continue to assess players before travelling on Saturday.”
MATCH COVERAGE
City supporters unable to make it to Holker Street 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 former Bantam Filipe Morais will provide live commentary on DAB radio across the Bradford district, and via the BBC Sounds app.
IFollow subscribers can also catch all the reaction - with post-match interviews and content.
LAST TIME OUT
The two sides went toe to toe in West Yorkshire in September in September and shared the spoils after Josh Kay’s early strike was matched by Charles Vernam in the second half.
A lively start by the Bluebirds was capitalised on as they came close a number of times before Kay’s opener, but a late first-half push from City was a sign of things to come as Vernam netted his second goal of the season to earn his side a point.
CITY: Richard O’Donnell; Oscar Threlkeld (booked 83'), Liam Ridehalgh, Paudie O’Connor ©, Callum Cooke; Andy Cook (Theo Robinson 83’), Alex Gilliead, Charles Vernam, Fiacre Kelleher (booked 48); Gareth Evans (Caolan Lavery 83’), Elliot Watt (booked 73'). SUBS (not used): Sam Hornby, Yann Songo’o, Levi Sutton, Oliver Crankshaw, Finn Cousin-Dawson
GOALS: Charles Vernam (59’).
BARROW: Paul Farman; Patrick Brough, Jason Taylor, Offrande Zanzala (Dimitri Sea 70’), Joshua Kay (booked 30'); Joshua Gordon (booked 56'), Robbie Gotts (George Williams 71’), Remeo Gotts, Festus Arthur; Oliver Banks, Jordan Stevens (booked 68'). SUBS (not used): Thomas White, Joseph Grayson, Joshua Lillis, Scott Maloney
GOALS: Joshua Kay (21’).
MATCH OFFICIALS
Sebastian Stockbridge will lead the fixture, his 22nd of the season.
Stockbridge was the man in the middle for City’s first of three Emirates FA Cup meetings with Exeter City, where the visitors' late equaliser forced the Bantams into a replay at St James’ Park and a subsequent 'replay replay'.
Mr Stockbridge will be joined by Anthony Moore and Conor Brown on the flanks, with Paul Graham acting as fourth official.
BACK THE BANTAMS - WITH SKY BET
City supporters can back their team for victory this Saturday with Sky Bet.
Bantams fans can flutter on Derek Adams’ side to win the tie at 9/5.
Supporters can place their bets by CLICKING HERE.
PLEASE NOTE: All odds are subject to change. Please gamble responsibly.
KIT COLOURS
Both sides will wear their traditional colours for the fixture, with City in their Claret and Amber away kit and the hosts in their blue number.
Barrow: Blue / Blue / White
City: Claret and Amber / Black / Black
PLEASE NOTE: Tickets for tomorrow's clash are completely SOLD OUT.