The Bantams are back in West Yorkshire this weekend after securing two-straight away wins, with their attention now turned to Saturday’s 3.00pm Sky Bet League Two clash against Port Vale.
It will be a battle of form when the two sides lock horns, with both sides in off the back of consecutive victories.
City earned back-to-back wins for the first time since August, while the Valiants come to West Yorkshire fresh from a vital victory in their promotion push - a 3-1 home win over Mansfield Town.
The return fixture was played out live on Sky Sports. Vale went ahead through former Manchester United man James Wilson, but the hosts' second-half goal was equalled by a Lee Angol header on his return to the side.
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: Elliot Watt is a doubt after he was forced off during the week, though Alex Gilliead is looking slightly more likely to be involved.
Charles Vernam and Tom Elliott returned to full training this week, and could be in contention, with Jamie Walker pushing for a starting berth.
Dion Pereria will be hoping for his third-straight start and home debut, though Reece Staunton, Abo Eisa and Lee Angol remain out.
Port Vale: Captain Tom Conlon is out for the season after sustaining damage to his achilles and subsequently requiring surgery.
Jake Gibbons will continue his absence from first-team action after sustaining ligament damage against Harrogate Town.
Newcastle United loanee Lewis Cass will miss the rest of the season due to an ankle injury.
WHAT THE MANAGERS SAID
Mark Hughes: “We saw it last time out, even though we got beat right at the death, the response from the crowd was fantastic. We got clapped off the pitch.
“We would like that again but hopefully with the three points in our back pocket.
“That is the challenge for us as we go up against a team doing well at the moment, scoring goals. It will not be easy.
“They will try to stop what we are good at. There are a lot of talented footballing people at this level that will have looked at our recent games and will, as we speak, be trying to formulate a plan to stop it.”
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 skipper Gary Jones 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 sides met at Vale Park in November last year, playing out a draw live on Sky Sports.
As far as draws go, it was a very interesting one. Both sides enjoyed their fair share of chances in the first half but neither managed to break the deadlock.
The hosts found a breakthrough early in the second half when James Wilson bundled home a rebound after his initial effort was saved by Richard O’Donnell.
Lee Angol was brought on shortly after Wilson’s opener, with the forward making his first appearance since August.
It took Angol less than 15 minutes to mark his return with a goal, diverting Matty Foulds’ ball from deep into the back of the net, sending the travelling fans into raptures.
PORT VALE: Lucas Covolan; James Gibbons, Dan Jones, Nathan Smith (booked 77’), David Worrall, Ben Garrity (Jake Taylor 62’), James Wilson (George Lloyd 64’), Tom Conlon (C), David Amoo (Devante Rodney 62’), Tom Pett, Lewis Cass. SUBS (not used): Mal Benning, Aaron Martin, Dennis Politic, Aidan Stone.
GOALS: James Wilson (56’).
CITY: Richard O’Donnell; Paudie O’Connor, Yann Songo’o (Callum Cooke 62’), Niall Canavan; Oscar Threlkeld (booked 15’, Liam Ridehalgh 45’), Levi Sutton, Elliot Watt, Matty Foulds; Alex Gilliead; Charles Vernam, Theo Robinson (Lee Angol 62’). SUBS (not used): Sam Hornby, Abo Eisa, Fiacre Kelleher, Gareth Evans.
GOALS: Lee Angol (74’).
MATCH OFFICIALS
Darren Drysdale is the man in the middle tomorrow afternoon, his 30th of the season.
Drysdale’s last game in charge at the Utilita Energy Stadium came last season during City’s loss to Harrogate last month.
He will be joined by Lewis Raper and Stephen Wade on the flanks, with Alan Clayton 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 6/4.
Supporters can place their bets by CLICKING HERE.
PLEASE NOTE: All odds are subject to change. Please gamble responsibly.
KIT COLOURS
City will wear their 2021/22 white home strip, while the visitors will don an all-black number.
Bantams: White / Claret / White
Port Vale: Black / Black / Black
To secure discounted tickets for the clash - UNTIL 11.59PM TONIGHT - please CLICK HERE.