Gary Bowyer’s Bantams continue their Sky Bet League Two campaign with a trip to Crewe Alexandra tomorrow.
City last visited the Alexandra Stadium in 2016, which resulted in a 1-0 Easter Monday victory courtesy of a Jamie Proctor goal, and the two sides will reunite tomorrow after three years apart.
The Railwaymen finished 12th last term and have started this season well – currently sat within the play-off places.
We have compiled an Opposition Guide, where you can get all the information you need on tomorrow’s opponents…
SUMMER TRANSFER ACTIVITY
The Alex made a small number of additions to their side, as manager David Artell looks to continue climbing up the league ladder.
Ins: Oliver Lancashire (Swindon Town), Daniel Powell (Nothampton Town), Chuma Anene (FC Midtjylland).
Outs: George Ray (Tranmere), Shaun Miller (Morecambe), Jordan Bowery (MK Dons), Michael Raynes (Hartlepool), Alex Nicholls (Solihull Moors), Ben Garratt (Released).
ONES TO WATCH
Chris Porter:
Crewe’s No.9 is a Football League veteran, with 441 of his 500 career appearances coming in the English pyramid.
With 148 goals to his name – 24 of which came at Crewe – the centre-forward will look to cause problems for the Bantams' backline.
Ryan Wintle:
Midfielder Wintle has scored two goals in his last three appearances for the Railwaymen, including a late consolation against Premier League Aston Villa.
After making his professional debut against the Bantams in 2015, he has gone on to make over 85 caps for the Alex, occupying the heart of midfield.
Oliver Lancashire:
The 30-year-old defender joined Crewe from fellow Sky Bet League Two side Swindon Town on a two-year contract in May.
The Basingstoke man has played for eight EFL sides in his, so far, 12-year career.
Daniel Powell:
Porter signed from Northampton Town in the summer, after grabbing eight goals in 73 appearances for the Cobblers.
After a previous lengthy period at MK Dons, with over 200 appearances for his boyhood club, City’s full-backs will have a tough test containing the winger.
THE MANAGER
David Artell was unveiled as manager of Crewe - back in 2017 - following the departure of Steve Davis.
The former defender, who made 82 appearances for Crewe, captained them to promotion to Sky Bet League One in 2012.
He started his career in coaching within Crewe Alexandra’s Academy, he kept the side up in Sky Bet League Two, and the side have grown from strength to strength since.
THE CAPTAIN
Perry Ng was named club captain for the 2019/20 season, after a stellar campaign last year.
The Liverpool-born right-back started his career with the Railwaymen, rising through the ranks to become a consistent feature of the Cheshire-based side.
Ardell tipped Ng for the captaincy last season and the 23-year-old has gone on to make over 100 league appearances for the club.
LAST TIME OUT
In their previous fixture - on Tuesday evening - Crewe were defeated 6-1 by Premier League side Aston Villa, in the second round of the Carabao Cup.
Crewe Alexandra 1
Aston Villa 6
Carabao Cup Second Round
Tuesday August 27th 2019
Attendance: 7,173
Crewe Alexandra: Dave Richards, Perry Ng, Ryan Wintle, Oliver Lancashire, Eddie Nolan, Chris Porter (Chuma Anene 46’), Charlie Kirk (Oliver Finney 66’), Callum Ainley, Tommy Lowery (James Jones 68’), Owen Dale, Rio Adebisi. Subs:William Jääskeläinen, Daniel Powell, Paul Green, Nicky Hunt.
GOAL: R, Wintle 84’.
Final allocaton tickets for tomorrow’s clash are still available and can be purchased by CLICKING HERE. There is also the option to pay on the gate at the Alexandra Stadium before kick-off.