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Club News

BIG MATCH PREVIEW: CREWE v CITY

31 August 2019

Club News

BIG MATCH PREVIEW: CREWE v CITY

31 August 2019

The Bantams travel to the Alexandra Stadium today, taking on Crewe Alexandra for the first time in over three years.

Gary Bowyer’s side head into the 3.00pm contest having recorded just one loss in their opening five fxiture. Victory this afternoon could see City leapfrog hosts Crewe into a play-off position.

Crewe sit three places above the Bantams, in sixth, but only one point separates the two sides.

After finishing 12th last season, the Railwaymen have hit the ground running in the new campaign - having also bagged an impressive Carabao Cup first-round victory over Middlesbrough.

Ahead of today's tie, we have compiled a Big Match Preview - packed full of everything you need to know...

TEAM NEWS 

City: Gary Bowyer could make changes from the side beaten by Forest Green Rovers last Saturday.

Jamie Devitt and Callum Cooke could make their first starts for the Bantams, after featuring from the bench last Saturday.

Shay McCartan and Zeli Ismail both come into contention following a positive week back in full training. If selectedm it would be a first competitive start - in City colours - for former Walsall man Ismail.

Crewe: Manager David Artell has revealed full-back Harry Pickering could feature in the fixture, despite picking up an injury against Crawley.

Youngster Rio Adebisi covered for the 20-year-old in Tuesday’s 6-1 loss to Aston Villa, though could keep his place following his debut.

WHAT THE MANAGERS SAID

Gary Bowyer: "David has been there for two and a half years and has a set way of playing.

"They have always produced good footballers throughout their history, and it is no different this year.

"They have a good squad and have been playing well.

"It is going to be a tough game for us again, and one where we have a good idea of what to expect from them."

David Artell: "Bradford are a big club, with a big fan base, big name players and a really good manager. They will bring a lot of supporters I am sure, and that is what you want. You want good atmospheres.

“They have big name players and a few of our former players will be coming back too, with Kelvin Mellor, Clayton Donaldson and they have just taken Callum Cooke on loan."

LAST TIME OUT 

The Bantams last faced the Railwaymen in an Easter Bank Holiday Monday meeting, in March 2016.

Jamie Proctor’s 50th-minute strike separated the clubs at the Alexandra Stadium, as the Bantams continued their play-off push.

MATCH OFFICIALS 

Darren Handley will take charge of the fixture – his first Bantams game since March 2018.

He will be assisted by Alan Clayton and Danny Gratton, wth Conor Brown as fourth official.

MATCH COVERAGE

Supporters unable to make it to the Utilita Energy Stadium tomorrow can follow match action via the club’s official Twitter page.

The live feed will provide minute-by-minute coverage of the clash in addition to updates on other social media outlets such as Facebook and Instagram.

Full audio match commentary is available to iFollow Bantams subscribers, while BBC Radio Leeds’ Tim Steere and Andy Kiwomya will provide live radio commentary on 774 MW.

IFollow subscribers can also catch all the reaction with post-match interviews and content, while supporters based outside the UK with a package can even tune into a live video stream!

BACK THE BANTAMS - WITH SKY BET

City supporters can back the Bantams for victory tomorrow with Sky Bet.

Gary Bowyer's men are currently priced at 15/8 for the win against the Railwaymen. 

James Vaughan and Clayton Donaldson are both 5/1 to open the scoring, with 2/1 odds for an anytime goal.

City fans can place their bets by CLICKING HERE.

PLEASE NOTE: All odds are subject to change.

KIT COLOURS

City will wear the vibrant orange third kit for the second time this season, with the home side going with their home strip.

Crewe: Red / White / Red

City: Orange / Orange / Orange


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