The Bantams are back on home soil this Saturday, for the third time in succession. Mark Hughes’ men will welcome Swindon Town to the Utilita Energy Stadium for a 3.00pm kick off, in Sky Bet League Two.
West Yorkshire has not proved to be a happy hunting ground for the Robins in recent years, having lost on each of their last three visits.
New manager Mark Hughes will have enjoyed a full week's worth of time with the City squad, enabling the Welshman to filter his ideas into the squad in time for the fixture.
In the reverse fixture, the Bantams left Wiltshire with all three points thanks to an impressive team performance, and an even more impressive goal from Theo Robinson.
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: Dion Pereira could be in contention to make his first appearance in City colours, having trained this week.
Jamie Walker could also be looking at a return from injury, though manager Mark Hughes admitted Saturday may come too soon for the No.10.
Tom Elliott and Charles Vernam will continue their recovery from injury, with both edging closer to a return.
Swindon: Louie Barry picked up an ankle injury in last weekend’s loss to Salford and will therefore miss the clash.
Top goal-scorer Harry McKirdy is said to be able to manage his injury, making him available for selection.
Former Bantam Jack Payne has trained this week and is set to come into the fold, but Ben Gladwin will miss the fixture due to a long-term injury.
WHAT THE MANAGERS SAID
Mark Hughes: “Swindon are doing well. They are a good footballing side, they like to knock it about well.
“We will make the players aware of what they are good at and maybe not so good at.
“I have watched their games and I have been impressed. I will continue to watch them.
“They may be slightly different to Mansfield. It will be another test, but a different test.”
Ben Garner: ”I think they have got a good squad there.
“At the start of the season, I thought they would challenge at the top, but they have still got good quality.
“They have got four or five good-quality forwards there and Mark Hughes coming in. They will see that as a real coup. It is a challenge we are looking forward to.
“If we play well and get on top, that will impact the crowd. That is always our aim. We will be going there to be positive.”
MATCH COVERAGE
City supporters unable to make the trip 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 midfielder 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
City took all three points in the return fixture, and did so in style - with goals from Caolan Lavery, Levi Sutton and Theo Robinson earning the Bantams a win at The County Ground.
SWINDON: Jojo Wollacott; Akin Odimayo, Romoney Crichlow (Kaine Kesler-Hayden 45’), Mathieu Baudry, Ben Gladwin (booked 20’), Tyreece Simpson, Jack Payne ©, Harry McKirdy, Jonny Williams (Alex Gilbert 63)’, Rob Hunt (booked 49’, Jayden Mitchell-Lawson 79’), Louis Reed. SUBS (not used): Ellis Iandolo, Lewis Ward, Ryan East, Anthony Grant.
GOALS: Jack Payne (77’ pen).
CITY: Richard O’Donnell (booked 66’); Oscar Threlkeld, Paudie O’Connor, Niall Canavan ©, Yann Songo’o, Matthew Foulds; Elliott Watt, Levi Sutton; Andy Cook (Theo Robinson 74’, booked 80’), Caolan Lavery (booked 67’, Gareth Evans 75’). SUBS (not used): Charles Vernam, Fiacre Kelleher, Reece Staunton, Finn Cousin-Dawson, Kian Scales.
GOALS: Caolan Lavery (16’), Levi Sutton (40’), Theo Robinson (74’).
MATCH OFFICIALS
Paul Howard is the man in the middle tonight, his 26th of the season.
Howard’s last game in charge at the Utilita Energy Stadium came last season, leading City’s 1-0 victory over last weekend’s opponents Mansfield Town.
He will be joined by Wayne Grunnill and Oliver Bickle on the flanks, with Mark Cunliffe acting as fourth official.
BACK THE BANTAMS - WITH SKY BET
City supporters can back their team for victory Saturday with Sky Bet.
Bantams fans can flutter on Mark Hughes’ side to win the tie at 7/5.
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 white 2021/22 home kit for the fixture, with the visitors in yellow and green.
Bantams: White / Claret / Claret
Swindon: Yellow and Green / Green / Yellow
Tickets for tomorrow's clash can be secure at a discounted rate - BEFORE MIDNIGHT TONIGHT - by CLICKING HERE.