Bradford Preview

The Derby game was typical Town - on top of their opposition for most the game, nice entertaining play but chances not taken and ending up losing. Hope was given though as at least the team proved they can play, which was in question after the Norwich and Wimbledon games.

Bradford have had a terrible summer with the threat of expulsion from the Football League only removed days before the start of the season after a suitable financial package was found. New faces have been added to the squad though, including former Town target Paul Evans.

Town have brought in striker Robert Taylor as a replacement for Steve Livingstone as Paul Groves looks to add more firepower to his weak front-line. Taylor is expected to take some part in the game but not play the full 90 minutes. Alan Pouton, John McDermott and Stacy Coldicott are doubtful for the game, especially Pouton.

Bradford will be out winger Jamie Lawrence after he broke his ankle in the 2-1 defeat to Stoke but broken-hand victim Andy Gray has received the OK to play.

Expected Line Ups

Last Time Out

29-09-2002 Bradford 3 Grimsby 2

After a fantastic start to the season the wheels were coming off for Town. 2-0 down after goals from Robbie Blake and Eion Jess, things were looking bad. A spirited second half performance from Town looked to have earned a draw thanks to Jonny Rowan's brave header and a superb first Mariners goal for Michael Boulding. With Town in control a win could have been on the cards but Lennie Lawrence decided to hold for a draw and withdrew the influential Bradley Allen for Ben Chapman.

With 3 minutes to go Ashley Ward restored Bradford's lead and gave them the 3 points. After the Lawrence blamed the 'Grimsby mentality' and singled out poor Michael Jeffrey. Nothing to with your poor tactics then Len? After his post match outburst many Town fans, including myself, felt that Lennie was out of order and his time at the club was up, 3 months later it was.

Bradford Head-to-Head (38th on The Opposition Ladder).

Danger Man

Whilst Andy Tod and Ashley Ward will be a handful for the Town defence, the real danger could be ex-Brentford man Paul Evans (left). Believed to have been a Town target in the summer, Evans will pull the Bradford strings in midfield with his creative play and has a fantastic shot from range.

Prediction

Directions

Click on the link for directions to Valley Parade. (left).

Admission Prices

Click on the link for ticket prices to Valley Parade. .