The Bantams are back at the Utilita Energy Stadium again this evening, facing Leyton Orient in Sky Bet League Two with kick-off set for 7.45pm.
The O’s have hit a difficult run of form, failing to pick up a win in their last five fixtures.
Orient started the season with some strong results and looked to be in contention for a promotion push, sending both Exeter and the Bantams home from The Breyer Group Stadium empty handed.
We have put together an Opposition Guide to give you all the information you need to know about our 28th league opponent of the season.
TRANSFER ACTIVITY
Orient enjoyed an eventful summer transfer window with a total of 10 arrivals and 13 departures, including last season’s top goal-scorer Danny Johsson.
The O’s added six players to their ranks this window.
INCOMINGS: Tom James (Hibernian), Connor Wood (Bradford City), Omar Beckles (Crewe Alexandra), Darren Pratley (Charlton Athletic), Paul Smyth (Queens Park Rangers), Theo Archibald (Lincoln City, loan), Aaron Drinan (Ipswich Town), Harry Smith (Northampton Town), Callum Reilly (AFC Wimbledon), Jordan Brown (Derby), Otis Khan (Walsall), Ethan Coleman (King’s Lynn), Dan Moss (Millwall, loan), Alex Mitchell (Millwall, loan), George Ray (Exeter City), Frank Nouble (Colchester United).
OUTGOINGS: Sam Ling (Dagenham & Redbridge), Joe Widdowson (Barnet), Josh Coulson (Southend United), Jamie Turley (Barnet), Joe Widdowson (Barnet), Ousseynou Cisse (Oldham Athletic), Brendon Shabani (Released), James Dayton (Dulwich Hamlet), James Brophy (Cambridge United), Jordan Maguire (Woking), Danny Johnson (Mansfield Town), Louis Dennis (Bromley), Conor Wilkinson (Walsall), Dan Kemp (MK Dons).
ONES TO WATCH
Harry Smith
The O’s No.9 has netted 13 goals across all competitions this season, an impressive return from the former non-league man.
At 6ft 5ins, Smith dominates his opposite numbers in aerial duels but is partial to a run in behind despite his ‘target man’ build.
The 26-year-old signed a two-year deal in the summer of 2021, joining the club from Sky Bet League Two rivals Northampton Town.
Aaron Drinan
Drinan is another of Kenny Jackett’s summer acquisitions and has paid the gaffer back aplenty, scoring 13 goals and providing five assists.
The 23-year-old has contributed towards the most goals for The O’s season so far this season, netting on average once every 150 minutes of football.
Drinan joined the club from Ipswich Town after a three-year spell in East Anglia.
Theo Archibald
Archibald joined the club for the duration of the season on loan from Lincoln City and has since become The O’s delivery man.
The winger has registered six assists this season, the 10th most across the division.
Archibald began his career with Scottish giants Celtic before moves to Brentford, Macclesfield and Lincoln City.
CAPTAIN
Darren Pratley was recently appointed captain of the O’s despite only signing from Charlton Athletic in the summer.
The midfielder is an experienced player with nearly 600 career appearances.
Pratley, known primarily for his time with Bolton Wanderers, played under current manager Kenny Jackett at Swansea before his move to the Premier League.
MANAGER
Kenny Jackett is an experienced head coach who has taken charge of nearly 900 games throughout his managerial career.
He has previously spent time at the likes of Watford, Swansea City, Millwall, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Rotherham United, and Portsmouth.
The 60-year-old has gained promotion from Sky Bet League One on two occasions.
LAST MATCH
Mansfield 2 (Jordan Bowery 44’, Ollie Clarke 72’)
Orient 0
ORIENT: Lawrence Vigouroux; Alex Mitchell, Omar Beckles, Daniel Happe, Otis Khan; Ethan Coleman, Jordan Brown (Hector Kyprianou 64’), Theo Archibald, Ruel Sotiriou (Aaron Drinan 63’); Harry Smith (booked 45’), Paul Smyth (Matt Young 45’) SUBS (not used): Sam Sargeant, Adam Thompson, Daniel Kemp, Daniel Moss
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Meetings: 45
City Wins: 15
Draws: 12
Orient Wins: 18