Bradford City host Blackpool in a huge League One clash affecting opposite ends of the table.
Victory will see Bradford stay top of the table for another matchweek, whilst Blackpool can climb out of the relegation zone with a win.
Team News
Alex Pattison is in line to return for Bradford after he sat out their last two matches in line with concussion protocols.
Aden Baldwin sat out the Bantams’ Carabao Cup exit at Newcastle with a calf injury, so is doubtful for selection.
Lewis Richards (shoulder) and Calum Kavanagh (shin) remain ruled out.
Blackpool have no fresh injury concerns to report after their 1-0 home win over Barnsley, as James Husband remains sidelined with a hamstring injury.
When is Kick-Off?
Bradford host Blackpool at Valley Parade on Saturday 27 September at 3pm BST, untelevised live in the UK.
Stat Attack
- Bradford have won three of their last eight league meetings against Blackpool (W3, L5).
- Blackpool have won two of their last six trips to Bradford (W2, L4).
- Bradford’s last three goals against Blackpool were scored in the second half, as they lost 3-2 away and 4-1 at home in 2018-19 season.
- Graham Alexander’s Bantams are yet to keep a clean sheet at home this season (W4).
- Blackpool have scored just one goal and conceded eight goals in their four away games so far this season (L4).
Prediction
Although Bradford could feel disappointed to have exited the Carabao Cup with a heavy 4-1 defeat, there is no doubting that the result doesn’t reflect the performance because they brought plenty of attack but just lacked the final touch, whilst small defensive errors proved costly.
Graham Alexander now need to get his Bantams quickly refocused because they have a strong chance to extend their lead at top of League One, especially if they can bring the same attacking intensity and a neater final touch into this game.
Blackpool meanwhile have been poor on the road so far this season but with a full week of training and recent form in this fixture in their favour, they need a strong start with a tighter defence and ideally the first goal if want at least a draw here.
I however do think that Bradford might just prove too strong if they can use the positives of their midweek defeat wisely and bounce back with a quick start.
Prediction: Bradford 2-1 Blackpool
Result: Bradford 1-0 Blackpool
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