The Bantams face their 10th away trip in 14 games tonight, with a trip to Walsall in Sky Bet League Two, kicking off at 7.45pm.
City’s draw at Rochdale this weekend made it seven points from four games this calendar year to continue an improved start to 2022.
The Saddlers have not had such success, picking up one point from their last four games. The point, however, came in emphatic style, drawing with Newport County thanks to a last-minute leveller.
When the sides met in West Yorkshire earlier this year, the points were shared. Elliot Watt’s opening goal was cancelled out by a Saddlers effort just before half-time.
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: New signing Alex Bass is in contention for his first start between the sticks after joining the club yesterday.
Elliot Watt and Lee Angol will miss the clash due to their respective injuries picked up on the weekend, with the latter expected to be out for an extended period of time.
Abo Eisa continues his recovery from a hamstring injury and remains a long-term absentee, though City boss Derek Adams confirmed Dion Pereira will be in the 18-man squad for the first time since signing on loan from Luton Town.
Walsall: New signing Donervon Daniels is available for the clash, joining the club yesterday on a permanent basis from Crewe.
Rollin Menayese will miss the fixture due to suspension after receiving two yellow cards against Exeter.
Stephen Ward suffered a calf injury on the weekend and looks set to be a long-term absentee.
WHAT THE MANAGERS SAID
Derek Adams: “We have analysed Saturday’s performance and will look to use that to try and win at Walsall.
“We played them in the early stages of the season, and it was a game we should have won. We had ample chances.
“They are a very physical, strong side. It is always a good ground to go to. They have a nice pitch and a big stadium.”
MATCH COVERAGE
Despite being eligible, this evening's clash will not be available to watch with a £10 iFollow video match pass, due to Walsall's decision - as the home club - not to stream the fixture.
City supporters unable to make it to the Banks’s 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 former City skipper Gary Jones will provide live commentary across all frequencies.
IFollow subscribers can also catch all the reaction - with post-match interviews and content.
LAST TIME OUT
The return fixture proved frustrating for the Bantams as it finished all square despite the visitors playing the majority of the game with 10 men.
Elliot Watt opened the scoring with his first goal of the season, striking from range inside the opening 15 minutes.
The Saddlers equalised just shy of half-time but swiftly went down to 10 just a minute later.
Despite a plethora of chances, City were unable to take advantage of their extra man and the match ended level.
CITY: Richard O’Donnell; Oscar Threlkeld, Paudie O’Connor, Niall Canavan © (Theo Robinson 89’), Liam Ridehalgh; Elliot Watt, Gareth Evans (Oliver Crankshaw 71’), Callum Cooke, Alex Gilliead; Charles Vernam (Caolan Lavery 77’), Andy Cook. SUBS (not used): Sam Hornby (GK), Fiacre Kelleher, Matthew Foulds, Yann Songo’o.
GOALS: Elliot Watt (14’).
WALSALL: Carl Rushworth; Hayden White (booked 81’), Rollin Menayese, Manny Monthe, Stephen Ward; Liam Kinsella, Joss Labadie (dismissed 43’), Kieran Phillips, Jack Earing (Sam Perry 90+1’); Brendan Kiernan (Ash Taylor 84’), George Miller (Tyrese Shade 64’). SUBS (not used): Jack Rose, Zak Mills, Emmanuel Osadebe, Alfie Bates.
GOALS: Jack Earing (42’).
MATCH OFFICIALS
Benjamin Speedie will lead the fixture, his 25th of the season
Speedie's last time in charge of a City game came last season, leading the Bantams 2-1 loss to Port Vale at Vale Park.
He will be joined by Richard Morris and Adam Ricketts on the flanks, with Tom Nield acting as fourth official.
BACK THE BANTAMS - WITH SKY BET
City supporters can back their team for victory this Saturday with Sky Bet.
Bantams fans can flutter on Derek Adams’ side to win the tie at 13/8.
Supporters can place their bets by CLICKING HERE.
PLEASE NOTE: All odds are subject to change. Please gamble responsibly.
KIT COLOURS
Both sides will wear their home kit for the fixture, with the hosts in red while City wear their white home kit with claret shorts.
Walsall: Red / White / Green
Bantams: White / Claret / Claret