BIG MATCH PREVIEW: CITY v CRAWLEY

City return to West Yorkshire this Saturday to welcome Crawley Town for a Sky Bet League Two clash at 3.00pm.

The return fixture was one without merit for The Bantams, losing 2-1 in Sussex on a sunny September Saturday.

The two clubs had differing form after the clash. City went onto take nine points from a tricky October period, facing the likes of Newport, Swindon and Forest Green.

Crawley did not enjoy what followed the game so much, losing five of their following six league fixtures.

Differing form sees the sides separated by four league places as they head into their second bout of the season.

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: New signing Tom Elliott is in contention for his first start in City colours after joining the club in the week.

Lee Angol will be absent from the clash as he is assessed on his hamstring injury, the extent of which is not currently known.

Liam Ridehalgh and Elliot Watt face late fitness checks but their respective injuries are not long-term.

Abo Eisa continues his recovery from a hamstring injury and remains a long-term absentee.

Crawley: Kwesi Appiah is set to miss the clash after injuring himself against Colchester United.

Southampton loanee Caleb Watt will miss three months of action after limping off against Carlisle.

Ludwig Francillette and Jake Hessenthaler are both sidelined with injuries, while Will Ferry continues his long-term absence from the side.

WHAT THE MANAGERS SAID

Derek Adams: "Crawley are always a team that, when they come to a bigger team in the division, play without fear and run at teams.

"They have done really well. They have a good group of players, and John Yems and Lee Bradbury have done a good job.

"We are at home and we want to win. If we win, we can close the gap on the play-offs.

"It is one of those games I expect will swing back and forth. Crawley will come out and attack us straight away.

"We have to understand their threat and get the better of them."

John Yems: “Tough game, but we are looking forward to it.

“They have brought in a couple of players but we are ready to give them a game.

“It is just another game - we have got no fear, it is a proper football club with good supporters who are always going to be vocal.

“I do not really care - we have got to do what we have got to do and if we do that, I will be happy.”

MATCH COVERAGE

City supporters unable to make it to the Utilita Energy Stadium 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 star Filipe Morais 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 Red Devils took all three points in the return fixture, forcing City to make the long journey home empty-handed.

Crawley opened the scoring just shy of the 40-minute mark and doubled their tally on 74 minutes. Callum Cooke's late goal could not salvage anything for City.

CRAWLEY: Glenn Morris; Archie Davies, Tom Dallison, Jack Powell, Tom Nichols; Ludwig Francillette, Will Ferry (Kwesi Appiah 55’), Sam Ashford, Nick Tsaroulla; Jack Payne, Jake Hessenthaler. SUBS (not used): Alfie Jones; Owen Gallacher, Tony Craig, Rafiq Khaleel; Amrit Bansal-McNulty, Mark Marshall.

GOALS: Will Ferry (39’), Nick Tsaroulla (74’).

CITY: Richard O’Donnell; Oscar Threkeld (Booked 11’), Liam Ridehalgh, Paudie O’Connor © (Booked 70’), Yann Songo’o (Booked 43’); Callum Cooke, Andy Cook, Alex Gilliead (Levi Sutton 72’), Fiacre Kelleher; Gareth Evans (Oliver Crankshaw 61’), Elliot Watt (Kian Scales 72’). SUBS (not used): Sam Hornby, Matthew Foulds, Reece Staunton, Finn Cousin-Dawson.

GOALS: Callum Cooke (81’).

MATCH OFFICIALS

Ben Toner will lead the fixture, his 22nd of the season.

Toner took charge of City in their original clash with Walsall earlier this season. The game ended 1-1, with one red card shown.

He will be joined by David Hunt and Robert Atkin on the flanks, with David Avent 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 Derek Adams’ side to win the tie at 7/2.

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 all-white home strip tomorrow, with the visitors in light blue.

Bantams: White / Claret / Claret

Crawley: Cyan and Navy / Cyan and Navy / Cyan and Navy

To secure tickets for tomorrow's clash at a discounted rate - UP UNTIL MIDNIGHT TONIGHT - please CLICK HERE.

Match Previews