The Bantams will be looking to earn a winning start to life under new manager Mark Hughes, when they welcome high-flying Mansfield Town for a Sky Bet League Two clash on Saturday.
Mansfield have enjoyed a resurgent season from November onwards, winning 12 out of their 15 Sky Bet League Two fixtures - including a record eight-game winning streak.
City took all three points when the sides met at Field Mill in August, when Andy Cook snatched a late winner to maintain the Bantams' unbeaten start to the season.
Nigel Clough’s men are firmly in the race for promotion and currently sit just six points off the automatic spots, with three games in hand on Tranmere Rovers.
We have put together an Opposition Guide to give you all the information you need to know about Saturday's visitors.
TRANSFER ACTIVITY
The Stags enjoyed an impressive January transfer window, pulling off a number of high-profile transfers, including the signing of Newcastle United starlet Matty Longstaff on loan.
INCOMINGS: Lucas Akins (Burton Albion), Kieran Wallace (Burton Albion), Matty Longstaff (Newcastle, loan), Jamie Murphy (Hibernian, loan).
OUTGOINGS: Rollin Menayese (Walsall), Tyrese Sinclair (Scunthorpe, loan), Corey O’Keeffe (Rochdale), Harry Charsley (Port Vale).
ONES TO WATCH
Stephen McLaughlin
Former Nottingham Forest and Bristol City full-back McLaughlin joined the club on a short-term contract in September 2020.
‘Macca’ had an instant impact with the Stags and swiftly earned himself a lengthier contract after making himself a necessary part of Mansfield’s backline.
The Irishman has registered six assists this season, more than anyone else at the club. He also has four goals to his name and has the highest number of chances per 90’ with 1.41.
Lucas Akins
Akins joined the club last month in one of a few impressive coups manager Nigel Clough pulled off during the window.
The 32-year-old enjoyed life under Clough at Burton, aiding the club in back-to-back promotion from Sky Bet League Two up to the Sky Bet Championship.
Akins is yet to score for the Stags, but with goals to his name in the top two tiers of the EFL, he carries a wealth of experience in front of goal.
Rhys Oates
The forward joined the club in the summer from Hartlepool United, who he helped gain promotion to Sky Bet League Two last season.
Oates has enjoyed his first season with the Stags, scoring eight goals to place him at the top of their scoring charts.
The 27-year-old is familiar with Yorkshire having grown up in Pontefract and starting his career with Sky Bet Championship side Barnsley.
CAPTAIN
Ollie Clarke captains the Stags and has done since the start of last season. He was appointed skipper just a month after signing.
Clarke joined Mansfield from hometown club Bristol Rovers in the summer of 2020 after achieving back-to-back promotions with the Gas.
The 29-year-old operates in the centre of the park and has contributed with four goals and two assists so far this season.
MANAGER
Nigel Clough, son of the late Brian, took over as manager of the club in November 2020.
During his playing career, Clough donned the colours of Nottingham Forest, Liverpool and Manchester City, accumulating transfer fees of over £3million during his career.
Clough has also previously managed fellow EFL clubs Burton Albion, Derby County, and Sheffield United.
LAST MATCH
Newport 1 (Dom Telford 82’ pen)
Mansfield Town 1 (John Pask 68’ OG, John-Joe O’Toole dismissed 74’)
MANSFIELD: Nathan Bishop; Elliott Hewitt, John-Joe O’Toole (dismissed 74’), Oliver Hawkins (booked 74’), Stephen McLaughlin (booked 85’); George Maris (Farrend Rawson 76’), Ollie Clarke ©, Stephen Quinn (booked 83’, Kieran Wallace 84’), Matty Longstaff (Jordan Bowery 83’); Ryan Stirk, Lucas Akins. SUBS (not used): Danny Johnson, Jason Law, Marek Stech, James Perch.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Meetings: 67
City Wins: 27
Draws: 17
Mansfield Wins: 23
To secure tickets for tomorrow's clash - and see Mark Hughes in charge of the Bantams for the very first time - please CLICK HERE.