Mark Hughes’ Bantams will begin their Carabao Cup journey this evening as they face Accrington Stanley at the Wham Stadium.
City travel to Lancashire looking to book their place in the hat for round two, with action set to get underway at 7.45pm.
We have compiled a handy Away Day Guide - filled with useful information ahead of the encounter.
STADIUM ADDRESS
Wham Stadium
Livingstone Road
Accrington
BB5 5BX
ABOUT THE GROUND
A founding member of the football league, Accrington Stanley moved into the Wham Stadium in 1970 and it is currently one of the smallest stadiums in the EFL by capacity.
Rather uniquely, one side of the pitch actually comprises two stands - the Main Stand and the John Smith’s Stand.
Although having only six rows of seats, the Eric Whalley Stand is covered by a roof and has no restricting supporting pillars.
TICKETS
Supporters will be able to PAY ON THE DAY at the Wham Stadium this evening.
Over 1,000 City fans are already making the trip across the Pennines, with tickets available from Accrington's ticket office.
Admission prices are as follows:
Adults: £15
Concessions (64+): £10
Students: £10
Aged 12-17: £10
Under-12: £5
To read full details, please CLICK HERE.
ABOUT THE OPPOSITION
After their relegation on the final day of last season, Accrington found themselves back in the fourth tier after five seasons in League One.
They began life back in League Two with three points after a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Newport County on the opening day.
Over the summer transfer window, not many have come through the door at the Wham Stadium, with former Bantam Kelvin Mellor joining on a free transfer from Crewe Alexandra.
John Coleman, who is in his second spell at the Lancashire club, saw his side exit the Carabao Cup at the first round stage last season, losing 12-11 on penalties to Tranmere Rovers.
CAR PARKING
There is a car park at the stadium, but this only houses 300 cars, so expect it to fill up quickly.
Otherwise, there is a large car park at Livingstone Road Sports Ground, which is also slightly cheaper at £2.
ENTERTAINMENT AND REFRESHMENTS
To drink:
Behind the Main Stand is the ground’s sports bar called Coley's Bar, which allows in visiting fans. The nearest pub is the Crown, which is just behind the ground on the main Whalley Road..
To eat:
The Peel Park Hotel serves traditional pub classics like fish and chips and steak pies, serving as a good option for a sit-down meal pre-match.
The Grants Bar in Accrington has its own brewery on site, as well as a pizzeria. It is a 20-minute walk to the ground, but is highly-rated amongst away fans.
GETTING THERE
By Car:
Leave the M6 at Junction 29 and take the M65 towards Blackburn. Continue past Blackburn towards Accrington and leave the M65 at Junction 7.
Then, take the left-hand exit at the roundabout onto the A6185. At the first set of traffic lights, turn right onto A678 towards Padiham, and then at the next traffic lights turn right onto Accrington.
After half a mile on the A680, take the next left onto Livingstone Road and then after an immediate left, you will arrive at the ground.
By Train:
Accrington Railway Stadium is only a mile away from the ground, as is served by trains from Manchester Victoria and Leeds.
Leave the station and head towards the large roundabout in the centre of the town. After approximately 100 metres on Milnshaw Lane, you will come onto Whalley Lane.
Follow Whalley Road for a mile and after passing the mini roundabout, you will see the Wham Stadium on your left.
By Bus:
From Accrington Bus Station, the number 7 bus leaves every 15 minutes, and takes five minutes to get to the stadium.
MEMORY LANE
The Bantams’ last visit to the Wham Stadium came in the build-up to the 2021/22 season, where City ran out 2-0 winners, with current No.9 Andy Cook bagging a brace against League One Stanley in a pre-season friendly.
City won their last competitive fixture against the Lancashire outfit too, romping to a 3-0 victory at Valley Parade on New Year’s Day in 2019. Lewis O’Brien, Eoin Doyle and Connor Wood were amongst the goals.
The festive period seemed to be fruitful for City when facing the Reds, as Phil Parkinson’s promotion-winning side saw off Accrington on Boxing Day in the 2012/13 season. Garry Thompson and Alan Connell were amongst the goals.
WEATHER
It is expected to be another wet one in Lancashire, as showers are expected in Accrington.