Bradford City take on Crewe Alexandra in their sixth league game on Saturday, August 27. This tie marks the first time these two clubs have met since August 31, 2019, when Crewe ran out 2-1 winners.
Bradford City vs Crewe Alexandra – Match Preview
Crewe Alexandra Back in League Two Face Bradford City Side in Their Third Consecutive Fourth-Tier Campaign
Bradford City are once again aiming to return to League One having competed in League Two for the past three seasons. The club’s tumultuous last few years have seen a slew of managers and players come and go but former Premier League manager Mark Hughes is now in charge. Indeed, with his arrival Valley Parade is becoming a tough place for any team to visit.
The Bantams have yet to concede at home and performances show a marked improvement under Hughes. In their first five games, Bradford City have two wins, one draw and two defeats. However, the expected frailties of a team under reconstruction are visible. The two away defeats came late against Barrow and Colchester United from goals in the 96th and 97th minutes respectively.
Crewe Alexandra are also hoping to bounce back into League One and sit three points ahead of Bradford. With three wins, a draw, and a loss, Crewe have embarked on a steady start.
Former interim manager Alexander Morris was appointed as the permanent manager on 28 April 2022. However, Morris is a familiar face in Crewe having been with the club since his days as a youth player. With a positive start, Morris will be looking to build consistency after the club’s relegation. Although, injury worries are now surfacing.
Great effort from the boys last night against a great side, unfortunate to go out of the cup but the focus remains the same @officialbantams 🫡❤️ pic.twitter.com/6lRtFl5uUG
— Roms † (@rcrichlow_) August 24, 2022
Team News
For Bradford, Alex Gillead and Harry Chapman may miss the game since picking up injuries in Tuesday’s cup game against Blackburn Rovers. As reported by the Telegraph and Argus, Hughes said: “We will give them as long as we can but in my mind, I need to make decisions.” The Bantams squad depth means that despite the injury niggles Hughes can expect to field a strong side.
However, Crewe are suffering heavy losses with Lachlan Brook out for six weeks with an ankle injury. Furthermore, Christopher Long, Charlie Colkett and Rio Adebisi are all doubtful to play. Despite this, assistant manager, Lee Bell, is raring to go. Speaking to the Crewe Alexandra website, Bell said: “We’ve come up with a plan of how we will play against Bradford, it’s a different challenge in a brilliant stadium. They have a great fanbase, and we will focus on what we can do to get a foothold in the game and come away with three points.”
However, the team will be buoyed by the addition of Cardiff City midfielder Eli King. King joins until January.
Match Officials
Referee Sunny Singh Gill will take charge of the game and is the son of former ref, Jarnail Singh. Sunny becomes the first British South Asian to referee a Football League fixture since his dad over a decade ago.
Assistant referees are Paul Newhouse and Kevin Mulraine, while Alex Gray is fourth official.
