The Bantams are back in Sky Bet League Two action this weekend - in a televised lunchtime kick-off at Vale Park.
City will take on Port Vale at 12.00pm in a clash that could send Derek Adams’ men back into the play-off spots with a win.
The Valiants currently sit second in Sky Bet League Two, just three points off table-toppers Forest Green. Vale, like City, have lost only one home game in the league this season, and the Bantams will be looking to double that figure during their visit to Stoke-on-Trent.
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: Liam Ridehalgh and Abo Eisa are fit and available for Saturday’s clash, having returned to training this week.
Andy Cook will still be unavailable, due to a hamstring injury, while Caolan Lavery remains sidelined.
Reece Staunton and Kian Scales will be unavailable due to their respective loan moves to Bradford (Park Avenue) and Farsley Celtic, while Finn Cousin-Dawson is still away on international duty with Northern Ireland Under-21s.
Port Vale: Darell Clarke will be without former City striker Jamie Proctor, who underwent a hernia operation last week.
Devante Rodney and Alex Hurst also remain sidelined with injuries.
WHAT THE MANAGERS SAID
Derek Adams: “They have done really well so far this season.
“The FA Cup game on Saturday - to score five against a League 1 side shows the threat they hold.
“We have discussed their strengths and weaknesses, and understand the dangers they have.
“We have played a lot of teams this year that play three at the back, so we are used to it.”
Darell Clarke: “I am sure it is in the players' minds. There will be a couple of new haircuts flying around, because the cameras are coming.
“For us, playing the game and not the occasion is the key thing. We want big games at this football club and Bradford are a big club in this league with a massive supporter base.
“We know it is going to be a tough challenge but, for us, it is a job to do and we need to make sure the performance levels are consistent.”
MATCH COVERAGE
Supporters unable to make the trip to Vale Park will be able to catch every minute of the game LIVE on Sky Sports.
The Bantams' clash with Port Vale was selected for Sky coverage, and was therefore moved to 12.00pm to accommodate UK broadcasting regulations.
You can also get updates throughout the build-up and during the game on the club's official social media channels, with live tweets on the @officialbantams Twitter page and regular posts on Instagram and Facebook.
Full audio match commentary is available to iFollow Bantams subscribers, while BBC Radio Leeds’ Jamie Raynor and Andy Kiwomya 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
City’s last trip to Vale Park ended in a 2-1 win for the hosts, sending the Bantams back over the Pennines empty handed.
Current City striker Theo Robinson netted the equaliser for the Valiants just two minutes after Clayton Donaldson’s opener.
A Tom Conlon penalty just after the half-hour mark was enough to wrap up the win for Port Vale after a goalless second half.
PORT VALE 2
CITY 1
VALE: Scott Brown; James Gibbons, Leon Legge, Shaun Brisley, Nathan Smith; Luke Joyce, David Worrall (Christian Montano 71’), Danny Whitehead (David Amoo 62’), Tom Conlon (c), Will Swan (Scott Burgess 62’); Theo Robinson (Tom Pope 90+1). Subs (not used): Alex Hurst, Tom Scott, Mustapha Olagunji.
GOALS: Theo Robinson (16’), Tom Conlon (32’ pen).
CITY: Sam Hornby; Connor Wood, Paudie O’Connor ©, Anthony O’Connor, Levi Sutton; Ollie Crankshaw (Gareth Evans 39’), Elliot Watt, Callum Cooke, Charles Vernam (Matty Foulds 64’); Clayton Donaldson (Lee Novak 71’) Andy Cook. Subs (not used): Richard O’Donnell, Jordan Stevens, Finn Cousin-Dawson, Kian Scales.
GOALS: Clayton Donaldson (14’).
MATCH OFFICIALS
Lee Swabey is the man in the middle on Saturday, his third match in charge of a Sky Bet League Two fixture this season.
Mr Swabey last took charge of a City game in 2019, when the Bantams lost 2-0 to Coventry City in Sky Bet League One - the game that confirmed City’s relegation.
During the clash, Swabey dismissed Nathaniel Knight-Percival before half-time after the defender picked up two bookings in quick succession.
Matthew Parry and Thomas Harty will run the lines, while Ben Toner will act 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 2/1.
Supporters can place their bets by CLICKING HERE.
PLEASE NOTE: All odds are subject to change. Please gamble responsibly.
KIT COLOURS
The Bantams will don their away strip for the first time in competitive action this season, while the hosts will wear their all-white home kit.
Port Vale: White / White / White
Bantams: Claret and Amber / Black / Black
Tickets for tomorrow remain available by CLICKING HERE.