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Match Previews

BIG MATCH PREVIEW: CITY v BRISTOL ROVERS

15 October 2021

Match Previews

BIG MATCH PREVIEW: CITY v BRISTOL ROVERS

15 October 2021

The Bantams will continue their Sky Bet League Two campaign this Saturday when they welcome Bristol Rovers in a 3.00pm kick-off.

City will be looking to make it back-to-back victories at the Utilita Energy Stadium against Joey Barton’s Rovers.

The Bantams have enjoyed visits from the Gas in recent times - losing just one of their last five encounters in West Yorkshire.

We have created a Big Match Preview to give you all the key details you need to know, heading into the encounter.

TEAM NEWS

City: Goalkeeper Sam Hornby is unavailable due to a facial injury picked up in training, though Abo Eisa is again expected to make the matchday squad having returned at Newport County last weekend. 

Finn Cousin-Dawson will be available for selection following his return from international duty - with Oscar Threlkeld also likely to be available despite picking up a knock during City’s visit to Newport.

Club captain Niall Canavan remains sidelined - along with Lee Angol, Theo Robinson and Caolan Lavery.

Bristol Rovers: Junior Brown is likely to miss the encounter due to a rib injury.

Sam Finley is one booking away from suspension, so could be a doubt.

WHAT THE MANAGERS SAID

Derek Adams: “Bristol Rovers come in off a great victory last weekend.

“They have got one of the best squads in the league, with a vast number of experienced players.

“We have to be on our game to get three points.

“We want to treat every match as a cup final, and I do not see this being any different to any other fixture.”

Joey Barton: “We are expecting a really tough game.

“Derek is a really good coach - they are always solid and difficult to break down.

“They are very direct and test you in all your fundamentals and, if you are not on your game, they are going to give you lots of problems.

“It will be a tough place to go and they will certainly be testing us in those defensive departments.”

MATCH COVERAGE 

City supporters unable to make it to the Utilita Energy Stadium can follow the action with regular updates on the club’s official Twitter page. 

You will also be able to catch updates on other social media platforms, such as Facebook and Instagram. 

Full audio match commentary is available to iFollow Bantams subscribers, while BBC Radio Leeds’ Jamie Raynor and Andy Kiwomya will provide live commentary across DAB frequencies in Bradford - and the BBC Sounds app.

IFollow subscribers can also catch all the reaction - with post-match interviews and content. 

LAST TIME OUT

The sides last went head-to-head in Sky Bet League One - with this weekend's visitors running out 3-2 winners in a thrilling encounter at the Memorial Stadium.

City looked to have salvaged a point late on after Nathaniel Knight-Percival levelled in the 90th minute - but the last-gasp effort was in vain as Jonson Clarke-Harris netted his second of the game to win it in injury time.

Bristol Rovers 3 (Jonson Clarke-Harris 38’, 90+3’, Ollie Clarke 72’)

City 2 (Lewis O’Brien 16’, Nathaniel Knight-Percival 90’)

Bristol Rovers: Jack Bonham; James Clarke, Tom Lockyer ©, Tony Craig, Tareiq Holmes-Dennis; Ed Upson (booked 56’), Ollie Clarke (Stuart Sinclair 81’), Liam Sercombe (booked 31’, Alex Jakubiak 90’), Abu Ogogo (booked 66’); Tom Nichols (Alex Rodman 90’), Jonson Clarke-Harris (booked 57’). SUBS (not used): Adam Smith, Gavin Reily, Joe Partington, Alfie Kilgour. 

City: Richard O’Donnell; Paul Caddis, Nathaniel Knight-Percival, Paudie O’Connor, Adam Chicksen; Josh Wright, Jacob Butterfield, Sean Scannell (George Miller 74’), Jack Payne; Lewis O’Brien, Eoin Doyle (Billy Clarke 77’). SUBS (not used): Ben Wilson, Anthony O’Connor, Jermaine Anderson, Hope Akpan, Daniel Devine. 

MATCH OFFICIALS

Andy Haines will take charge of his 12th game of the season and only his third in Sky Bet League Two. 

Mr Haines was the man in the middle for City's goalless draw with Oldham Athletic last season at the Utilita Energy Stadium.

Paul Newhouse and Anthony Moore will run the lines with Alan Clayton completing the team as fourth official.

BACK THE BANTAMS - WITH SKY BET

City supporters can back their team for victory this Saturday with Sky Bet.

Derek Adams’ team are currently favourites to win the tie, coming in at 10/11 to take all three points.

City fans can also back their side to replicate their last home result - with 2-0 Bantams win coming in at 17/2.

Supporters can place their bets by CLICKING HERE.

PLEASE NOTE: All odds are subject to change. Please gamble responsibly. 

KIT COLOURS

The Bantams will don their usual home attire with the visitors wearing their yellow and green away strip.

Bantams: White / Claret / Amber 

Bristol Rovers: Yellow and Green / Yellow / Yellow


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