BIG MATCH PREVIEW: CARLISLE v CITY

City contest their final away match of 2019 with a visit to Carlisle United on Boxing Day (December 26).

The Bantams will be looking to extend their unbeaten run to five matches in Cumbria.

Chris Beech's side have endured a difficult opening half of the 2019/20 campaign and are currently sat 22nd in Sky Bet League Two.

We have compiled a Big Match Preview packed full of everything you need to know ahead of the 3.00pm clash…

TEAM NEWS

City: Gary Bowyer will be hoping to welcome players back from illness for Thursday's clash.

A sickness bug swept the City camp in last week's game against Salford City.

Captain James Vaughan and Adam Henley could again be in contention, while Chris Taylor could be looking to return to the starting 11.

Carlisle: Chris Beech will be hoping to recall teenager Jarrad Branthwaite and the dangerous Harry McKirdy, who missed out in defeat at Colchester through illness.

Christie Elliott and former Bantam could make back-to-back appearances, having made their first starts since October, last time out.

Cadice Carroll could return to the starting 11, having missed out at Colchester.

LAST TIME OUT

The Bantams' last meeting with Carlisle came came earlier this season, at the end of September

Three goals sealed a comprehensive victory for Gary Bowyer's men.

Bradford City 3 (Harry Pritchard 30', Kelvin Mellor 40', Zeli Ismail 90+5')

Carlisle United 1 (Olufela Olomola 14')

Sky Bet League Two

Saturday September 21st 2019

Attendance: 14,217

City: Richard O'Donnell; Kelvin Mellor, Paudie O'Connor, Ben Richards-Everton (dismissed 62'), Connor Wood; Dylan Connolly (booked 78', Zeli Ismail 78'), Matt Palmer, Callum Cooke (booked 90+3'), Harry Pritchard (Aramide Oteh 82'); Clayton Donaldson, James Vaughan (c, Anthony O'Connor 71'). Subs (not used): Sam Hornby (GK), Adam Henley, Daniel Devine, Shay McCartan.

Carlisle: Adam Collin (c); Mohammed Sagaf (Elias Sorensen 82'), Gethin Jones, Byron Webster, Nathaniel Knight-Percival (booked 39'), Jack Iredale (booked 54', Hallam Hope 73'); Jack Bridge (booked 11', dismissed 33'), Mike Jones, Harry McKirdy (Christie Elliott 38'); Nathan Thomas, Olufela Olomola. Subs (not used): Louis Gray (GK), Ryan Loft, Jarrad Branthwaite, Jon Mellish.

MATCH OFFICIALS

Leigh Doughty has taken charge of 15 matches so far, this season, issuing 43 yellow cards and two reds.

The official oversaw the Bantams' dramatic win over Northampton Town, in September, and has never taken charge of a Carlisle game before.

Doughty will be flanked by Natalie Aspinall and Graeme Fyvie, with John Matthews in as fourth official.

MATCH COVERAGE

Supporters unable to make it to Brunton Park 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 at 774 kHz on FM and DAB.

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 their team for victory tomorrow with Sky Bet.

Gary Bowyer's men are currently placed as heavy 6/5 favourites for victory at Carlisle.

City captain James Vaughan is favourite to break the deadlock, priced at 4/1.

City fans can place their bets by CLICKING HERE.

PLEASE NOTE: All odds are subject to change.

KIT COLOURS

City will wear their claret and amber home strip for their trip to Cumbria, with the hosts in their traditional blue colours.

City: Claret and Amber Stripes / Black with Amber Detail / Black with Amber Detail

Carlisle: Blue / Blue / Blue

Club News