The Bantams are back in action at the Utilita Energy Stadium - hosting Morecambe in Sky Bet League Two on Tuesday evening (7.00pm).
The Shrimps have already surpassed last season’s points tally, sit sixth in the table on 43 - having won 12, drawn seven and lost eight matches.
We have created this Opposition Guide to take you through everything you need to know about Derek Adams’ side.
TRANSFER ACTIVITY
The Shrimps made three signings in the January window, with two players heading in the opposite direction.
INS: Kyle Letheren (Chesterfield), Brad Lyons (Blackburn Rovers, loan), Alex Denny (Salford City).
OUTS: Jökull Andrésson (Reading, recalled from loan), Adam Phillips (Burnley, recalled from loan).
ONES TO WATCH
Carlos Mendes Gomes
After coming through the Atletico Madrid academy, Mendes Gomes signed a permanent contract for West Didsbury & Chorlton in 2016. Whilst with the Manchester-based outfit, he made over 50 appearances and scored seven goals.
Since joining Morecambe in 2018, the 22-year-old has made 70 appearances, scoring 10 and assisting three, and has proved one of the Shrimps' most influential players this season.
Toumani Diagouraga
Diagouraga is a graduate of the Watford academy and has represented 13 different clubs since making his professional debut in 2003. The experienced midfielder enjoyed spells at Hereford United, Peterborough United, Brentford, Leeds United and Ipswich Town.
The 33-year old joined the Shrimps from Swindon Town in 2020 and has made 33 appearances, scoring three.
Cole Stockton
Now in his third spell with Morecambe, the 26-year-old striker has scored 23 goals in 95 appearances for the Lancashire-based outfit.
Stockton made his first senior appearance for Tranmere Rovers in 2011 and has since gone on to play for Vauxhall Motors, Southport, Hearts, Carlisle United at Wrexham.
Kelvin Mellor
Mellor enjoyed two years at the Utilita Energy Stadium before penning a permanent deal with the Shrimps in 2020. The 6ft 2ins defender has featured 24 times for Derek Adams’ side.
The 30-year-old has played for eight other clubs, including Nantwich Town, Crewe Alexandra, Plymouth Argyle and Blackpool. During his time at Gresty Road, he won the 2013 EFL Trophy - helping beat Southend United 2-0 at Wembley Stadium in the final.
THE CAPTAIN
Sam Levelle has made 174 career appearances since coming through the Blackburn Rovers academy. He signed for Morecambe in 2017 and picked up the captain's armband at the start of this season.
The 24-year-old defender played internationally with Scotland’s youth teams but has failed to break into the senior side.
THE MANAGER
Derek Adams enjoyed most of his playing career in the Scottish Premiership, featuring for Aberdeen, Livingston, Ross County and Motherwell. During his time spent at Fir Park, the midfielder made over 150 appearances, scoring 18 goals.
The 45-year old was appointed manager of Ross County in 2007 until 2010. A brief spell as assistant manager at Hibernian followed before returning to the Staggies for another three years.
Adams took charge of Plymouth Argyle in 2015 where he guided the club to the Sky Bet League Two Play-Off Final in his first season, losing to AFC Wimbledon in the final. The following season, the Pilgrims went one better and secured automatic promotion, finishing second in the table.
He joined Morecambe in 2019, following the departure of long-serving manager Jim Bentley.
LAST TIME OUT
Morecambe left the University of Bolton Stadium with a point after Brad Lyons cancelled out Eoin Doyle’s opener with his first touch of the ball.
Bolton Wanderers 1 (Eoin Doyle 43’)
Morecambe 1 (Brad Lyons 83’)
Sky Bet League Two
Tuesday February 9
Morecambe: Letheren, Mellor (Cooney 82'), Lavelle, Knight-Percival, Gibson (Hendrie 82'), Denny (McAlinden 76'), Diagouraga, O'Sullivan, Wildig (Lyons 83'), Mendes Gomes, Stockton (Slew 83').