The Bantams are looking to get back to winning ways this Saturday as they return to home soil for the first time this calendar year, welcoming Salford City for a 3.00pm kick-off in Sky Bet League Two.
The Ammies currently sit 11th, boasting an almost identical record - winning eight, losing the same amount and drawing one less.
Salford’s consistency sees them sit just outside of the play-offs, with a win sending them within a point of the top seven. Despite a slow start to the season, Salford’s upturn in form has earned them 15 points from their last eight games and has pushed them up the table.
We have put together an Opposition Guide to give you all of the key details you need to know about our 24th league opponent of the season.
TRANSFER ACTIVITY
After a busy summer, the Ammies have moved swiftly to capture Rangers midfielder Stephen Kelly while also tying Theo Vassell down to a permanent deal.
INCOMINGS: Tom King (Newport County), Donald Love (Shrewsbury Town), Liam Shephard (Newport County), Corrie Nbada (Ipswich Town, loan), Andy Smith (Hull City, loan), Matty Willock (Gillingham), Matty Lund (Rochdale), Tyreik Wright (Aston Villa, loan), Josh Morris (Fleetwood Town), Conor McAleny (Oldham Athletic), D’Mani Mellor (Manchester United, loan), Stephen Kelly (Rangers, loan), Aramadie Oteh (free agent), Theo Vassell (free agent).
OUTGOINGS: Vaclav Hladky (Ipswich Town), Tom Clarke (Fleetwood Town), Oscar Threlkeld (Bradford City), Dan Jones (Port Vale), Richie Towell (Shamrock Rovers), Darron Gibson (Released), Bruno Andrade (Stevenage), George Boyd (Released), James Wilson (Port Vale), Emmanuel Dieseruvwe (Tranmere Rovers), Luke Armstrong (Harrogate Town), Alex Denny (The New Saints), Ben Rydel (Radcliffe, loan).
ONES TO WATCH
Brandon Thomas-Asante
The Ammies' top goal-scorer this season, Thomas-Asante has registered five goals and assisted one.
The 22-year-old graduated from the club's development squad after starting his career with MK Dons.
The talented forward was acquired by Salford with the intention of joining their development squad following a short but impressive spell in the non-league with Ebbsfleet United.
Josh Morris
Josh Morris joined the club from Sky Bet League One side Fleetwood Town in the summer, and has featured in every league game this season.
Morris has contributed the most goals for the Ammies so far this campaign, scoring four goals while assisting three.
The 29-year-old started his career at Blackburn Rovers, where he first worked under Gary Bowyer. Morris will be a familiar face to the City faithful, appearing for the Bantams in 2016.
Tom Elliot
Veteran forward Tom Elliot knows West Yorkshire well after starting his professional career with Leeds United
Leeds-born Elliot spent time with AFC Wimbledon before moving to East London to join Millwall. The 31-year-old spent three years in the Championship and dropped down to Sky Bet League Two during the pandemic.
Elliot has registered six goal contributions this season, netting three times while providing three assists.
CAPTAIN
Ash Eastham was named skipper ahead of the 2020/21 season despite only making a handful of appearances for the Ammies up to that point.
The experienced defender has spent the majority of his career in the North West - representing Rochdale, Bury and Blackpool before making over 150 appearances for Fleetwood Town.
Eastham’s time with the Cod Army saw him earn promotion from Sky Bet League Two and make over 100 Sky Bet League One appearances before his move to the Peninsula Stadium to re-join former manager Graham Alexander.
MANAGER
Gary Bowyer took charge of the Ammies in March 2021 after the club’s decision to part company Graham Alexander prior to the Papa John’s Trophy final.
The Manchester-born manager spent just under a year in charge of the Bantams after a spell in Lancashire, managing Blackburn Rovers and Blackpool.
Bowyer has earned promotion from Sky Bet League Two once before, guiding the Tangerines to their fifth play-off final success.
LAST MATCH
Salford 1 (Aramide Oteh 20’)
Tranmere (Paul Glatzel 70’)
SALFORD: Tom King; Donald Love, Jason Lowe, Ash Eastham © (booked 71’), Jordan Turnbull; Theo Vassell (booked 69’), Josh Morris (booked 77’), Tyreik Wright (booked 66’), Matthew Lund; Brandon Thomas-Asante (D’Mani Mellor 87’), Aramide Oteh (Connor McAleny 73’). SUBS (not used): Joel Torrance, Liam Loughlan, Corrie Ndaba, Tylor Golden, Andy Smith.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Meetings: 5
City Wins: 0
Draws: 1
Salford Wins: 4
To purchase tickets for tomorrow's clash - at a discounted rate, before 11.59PM TONIGHT - please CLICK HERE.