The Bantams welcome Carlisle United this weekend for our final clash of the 2021/22 season, with action getting underway at 3.00pm in Sky Bet League Two.
In honour of the 1985 Valley Parade Fire Disaster, in which 56 supporters lost their lives, the match will mark the club's annual memorial fixture.
City will look to end the season on a high in order to carry momentum over to next season and will be spurred on by last weekend’s emphatic 4-1 win away to promotion-chasing Sutton United.
Carlisle will hope to redeem themselves after their last trip to Yorkshire, where they lost 3-0 to Harrogate.
We have created a Big Match Preview to give you all the key details you need to know, heading into our final encounter of the season.
TEAM NEWS
City: Mark Hughes will be without Liam Ridehalgh for the clash, who has been sent for surgery on a groin injury in order to see him return in time for pre-season.
Oscar Threlkeld will remain out with a calf injury, but City are otherwise as they were at Sutton United.
Abo Eisa could be in contention for some action prior to the end of the season, after recovering from hamstring surgery.
Carlisle: Josh Dixon will miss the clash due to an ACL injury picked up in the Central League.
Joel Senior will not be available until October, while on-loan Dynel Simeu may miss the clash due to a family bereavement.
WHAT THE MANAGER SAID
Mark Hughes: “Paul (Simpson) has great experience. I know him from way back as player and a coach and he always does a great job.
“A number of players have history here too, so they will be coming back showing why they maybe should not have left and we will have to be wary of that, but we are hoping it is a good game and good celebrations.
“There are a number of clubs in a similar story. For whatever reason they find themselves where they should not be.”
Paul Simpson: “I would imagine it is going to be a really emotional day, with us all remembering those who have suffered and who lost their lives.
“We have to pay our respects to them and will be laying a wreath on the pitch in memory of the people who suffered in the fire.
“Once that dealt with, I hope the players all put on a performance that is respectful to what has gone on before. I am hoping everybody who turns up has seen a great game of football.”
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 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 Cumbrians took all three points when the sides met earlier this year, with two former employees coming back to bite the Bantams.
A Jordan Gibson strike just before half-time put the hosts in the driving seat, before Omari Patrick sealed the three points just 12 minutes into his second Cumbrians debut.
CARLISLE: Mark Howard; Kelvin Mellor, Jack Armer, Rod McDonald, Callum Guy ©; Brennan Dickenson, Jon Mellish, Morgan Feeney, Corey Whelan; Jordan Gibson, Tyrese Omotoye (Omari Patrick 75’). SUBS (not used): Magnus Norman, Danny Devine, Joe Riley, Tristan Abrahams, Sam Fishburn, Joel Senior.
GOALS: Jordan Gibson (43’), Omari Patrick (87’).
CITY: Sam Hornby; Oscar Threlkeld (Matty Foulds 60’), Liam Ridehalgh, Paudie O’Connor ©, Yann Songo’o (booked 64’); Callum Cooke (Theo Robinson 76’), Andy Cook (Charles Vernam 29’), Alex Gilliead, Fiacre Kelleher; Elliot Watt (booked 90+4), Lee Angol (booked 89’). SUBS (not used): Richard O’Donnell, Levi Sutton, Finn Cousin-Dawson, Caolan Lavery.
MATCH OFFICIALS
James Bell is the man in the middle for the clash, his 36th of the season.
Bell’s last game in charge at the Utilita Energy Stadium came during City’s 1-3 loss to Harrogate Town earlier this year.
He will be joined by Grant Taylor and David Avent on the flanks, with Andrew Kitchen 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 10/11.
You can also get Lee Angol to celebrate his new contract by scoring first at 9/2.
Supporters can place their bets by CLICKING HERE.
PLEASE NOTE: All odds are subject to change. Please gamble responsibly.
KIT COLOURS
The Bantams will step out in their 2021/22 home strip, while the visitors will don their blue home colours.
Bantams: White / Claret / Claret
Carlisle: Blue / Blue / Blue
To secure your tickets for Saturday's clash - at a discounted rate - please CLICK HERE before 11.59PM TONIGHT.