The Bantams travel to Sixfields this Saturday to face Northampton Town in a 3.00pm Sky Bet League Two clash.
Both sides will be looking to the weekend’s fixture as a chance to return to winning ways after their respective defeats to play-off occupiers Mansfield Town and Bristol Rovers.
The Cobblers currently sit above City’s last opponents on goal difference and will be looking to ensure they do not lose any ground on their promotion rivals on Saturday.
For the Bantams it is another chance to have their say on the battle at the top, with four of their last seven opponents sitting in the play-offs or the automatic spots.
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: Abo Eisa and Lee Angol are edging closer to a return to first-team action, with the latter enjoying 45 minutes of football in a friendly this week.
Tom Elliott remains sidelined with a knee injury and will likely miss the rest of the season.
Levi Sutton will be sidelined due to continued discomfort ahead of the Bristol Rovers match.
Northampton: Paul Lewis’ red card against Mansfield will see the midfielder miss the clash.
Ali Koiki will likely not play a part this weekend, with City’s visit coming too soon for the former Burnley man.
Peter Abimbola’s return to training will give John Brady an extra option for his matchday squad.
WHAT THE MANAGER SAID
Mark Hughes: “They will be more direct than Bristol Rovers, but these teams have lots to play for.
“It is good as it gives me an indication of what the best teams in this league are like, and how to be successful at this level.
“Clearly, there is still an opportunity for players to impress until the end of the season. That is why they have to bring the edge to their game.
“I have no worries in that regard, and have seen no drop-off in commitment or energy.”
MATCH COVERAGE
City supporters unable to make it to the Sixfields 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 City favourite Lee Duxbury 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 reverse fixture in November was the Bantams fifth-consecutive 1-1 draw during a difficult run of fixtures.
City had to battle back to earn a point after Mitchell Pinnock struck on the hour mark for the Cobblers.
Pinnock’s solo effort saw him pick up the ball inside his own half after a Bantams corner, driving down the wing before rifling the ball past Richard O’Donnell.
Charles Vernam levelled the scores just seven minutes later, punishing the Cobblers hesitant defending after Caolan Lavery’s determination to win the ball back.
CITY: Richard O’Donnell; Liam Ridehalgh, Paudie O’Connor, Niall Canavan © (booked 63’), Yann Songo’o (booked 70’); Callum Cooke (Abo Eisa 84’), Alex Gilliead (booked 88’), Charles Vernam, Elliot Watt; Theo Robinson (Caolan Lavery 59’), Finn Cousin-Dawson. SUBS (not used): Sam Hornby, Matty Foulds, Fiacre Kelleher, Gareth Evans, Levi Sutton.
GOALS: Charles Vernam (67’).
NORTHAMPTON: Liam Roberts; Aaron McGowan, Jack Sowerby (booked 88’, Nicke Kabamba 90+3’), Jon Guthrie, Fraser Horsfall © ; Sam Hoskins, Paul Lewis, Mitch Pinnock, Ali Koiki; Shaun McWilliams, Kion Etete (Danny Rose 45+3). SUBS (not used): Jonny Maxted, Dylan Connolly, Scott Pollock, Jordan Flores, Max Dyche.
GOALS: Mitch Pinnock (60’).
MATCH OFFICIALS
David Rock is the man in the middle tonight, his 31st of the season.
Ironically, Rock’s last game in charge at Sixfields came almost exactly a year ago, leading the Cobblers 1-1 draw with Bristol Rovers on 10 of April 2021.
He will be joined by Scott Williams and Mark Jones on the flanks, with Chris Husband 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 Mark Hughes’ side to win the tie at 9/4.
Supporters can place their bets by CLICKING HERE.
PLEASE NOTE: All odds are subject to change. Please gamble responsibly.
KIT COLOURS
The hosts will wear their traditional claret colours while City will don their triple-blue third kit.
Bantams: Hyper Blue / Hyper Blue / Hyper Blue
Northampton: Claret / White / Claret