The Bantams are due to take on Sunderland AFC at the Stadium of Light tomorrow, as the Papa John's Trophy group stages draw to a close.
City will not progress to the knockout stages, having lost their opening two games in the competition.
Sunderland’s fate is also sealed, with the Black Cats set to qualify for the next round as either group winners or runners up, depending on tomorrow’s result.
The game will kick off at 7.00pm in the North East and will be available to watch on IFollow.
We have put together an Opposition Guide to give you all the information you need to know about our final Papa John's Trophy opponent of the season.
TRANSFER ACTIVITY
The Black Cats brought in nine players to improve their squad this summer, with 13 players leaving, including veteran midfielder Grant Leadbitter who retired after an 18-year career.
INCOMINGS: Alex Pritchard (Huddersfield), Corry Evans (Blackburn), Callum Doyle (Man City, loan), Dennis Cirkin (Tottenham), Fredrick Alves (West Ham, loan), Nathan Broadhead (Everton, loan), Niall Huggins (Leeds), Leon Dajuka (Union Berlin, loan), Ron-Thorben Hoffmann (FC Bayern, loan).
OUTGOINGS: Callum McFadzean (Crewe), Remi Matthews (Crystal Palace), Max Power (Wigan), Chris Maguire (Lincoln), Josh Scowen (Wycombe), George Dobson (Charlton), Charlie Wyke (Wigan), Anthony Patterson (Notts County, loan), Jack Diamond (Harrogate, loan), Will Grigg (Rotherham, loan), Josh Hawkes (Tranmere Rovers, loan), Conor McLaughlin (free agent), Grant Leadbitter (retired).
ONES TO WATCH
Aiden McGeady
The tricky winger, who made his name with Celtic and Spartak Moscow, is still excelling for Sunderland, aged 35.
The Irishman has scored twice and earned four assists so far this season - featuring on the wing and in the centre of the pitch.
McGeady is a set-piece specialist with the ability to use both feet, and a wide range of skill moves to cause defenders problems.
Ross Stewart
Ross Stewart has scored 10 goals across all competitions for the Black Cats this season, filling the gap that previous talisman and former Bantam Charlie Wyke left.
Stewart was signed from Ross County in January this year - having racked up 160 senior appearances in Scotland.
The 25-year-old scored in the Play-Off Semi-Final against Lincoln City and has carried his end-of-season form into his first full campaign at the club.
Dan Neil
Dan Neil has registered more assists than any of his team-mates so far this season.
Neil progressed through the club's academy ranks, appearing for the under-18s and the under-23s before breaking into the first team during the 2018/19 season.
The 19-year-old scored his first goal for the club in the Papa John's Trophy in 2018.
CAPTAIN
Corry Evans was named club captain ahead of the 2021/22 season.
Evans joined the club in summer, having spent eight years at Blackburn Rovers. He graduated from Manchester United’s academy - following in the footsteps of brother Jonny.
The Northern Ireland international features as a deep-lying playmaker at the heart of the midfield, giving him a perfect viewpoint to act as Lee Johnson’s on-field leader.
MANAGER
Lee Johnson is at the helm for the Black Cats, having spent four years at Bristol City.
He is the son of Torquay United manager Gary Johnson, who he played under at Yeovil Town during the early 2000s.
The 40-year-old took charge at Sunderland in December, following the departure of former City manager Phil Parkinson.
Johnson claimed a famous victory over Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United in the quarter-final of the Carabao Cup.
LAST MATCH
Mansfield 1 (Rhys Oates 5’)
Sunderland 0
Sunderland: Lee Burge; Frederick Alves (Carl Winchester 45’), Bailey Wright (booked 50’), Dennis Cirkin (Luke O’Nien 71’), Tom Flanagan (Callum Doyle 45’); Leon Dajaku (Alex Pritchard 45’), Corry Evans © (booked 31’), Elliot Embleton, Dan Neil; Aiden O’Brien (Lynden Gooch 45’), Nathan Broadhead. SUBS (not used): Ollie Younger, Ron-Thorben Hoffmann, Ellis Taylor, William Harris.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Meetings: 44
Sunderland Wins: 19
Draws: 11
City Wins: 14
To purchase an iFollow video match pass for the encounter, please CLICK HERE.