BradfordBradford Cityvs.HarrogateHarrogate Town

The visitors are without a victory in their previous three matches in all competitions, which they will want to change in their first-ever meeting with the Bantams in this competition.

Match preview

As a four-time FA Cup winner as a player, Mark Hughes is no stranger to this competition, and he will be looking to bring his expertise to the forefront on Saturday against Bradford's local rivals.

The Bantams have had a strong start to their campaign in League Two, and they currently find themselves in the League Two playoff positions, even though they have lacked consistency.

That has been on display in their previous six matches in all competitions, which has resulted in two victories, a defeat, and a trio of draws.

The Bantams head into this game on the back of three consecutive draws, with the latest being a 1-1 against Crawley Town where they were pulled back in the second half.

Bradford will also take confidence from the fact they have already defeated Harrogate Town this season, with the Bantams winning 2-1 when they last met.

Andy Cook and Tyreik Wright got on the scoresheet that day for Hughes's men, even though Jaheim Headley had provided Harrogate with an equaliser early in the second half.

That game took place at Wetherby Road, yet the last two times the Sulphurites have made the journey to Bradford they have walked away with a victory.

Simon Weaver will be hoping his team brings some of that energy this time around as they come into Saturday's match on the back of three games without a win.

Harrogate were involved in a five-goal thriller at the weekend against AFC Wimbledon, and despite leading 2-1 up until the final five minutes of the game, the Sulphurites left with nothing.

Weaver's men have struggled so far this season as they sit 21st in the league table, but an FA Cup game could be what is needed to put their campaign back on track.

Bradford City form (all competitions):

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Harrogate Town form (all competitions):

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Team News

Cook is sure to be leading the line for the Bantams this weekend, as one of the most in-form strikers in the entire country, he brings a real threat to the game for them.

There could be opportunities for some minutes for the likes of Lee Angol and Colin Doyle as well, but Hughes is likely to name a strong starting XI here.

Matty Daly will likely keep his place in the attacking midfield role after finding the back of the net last weekend, with his creative performances being crucial for the team.

Meanwhile there will be a familiar face to Bradford City fans as Rory McArdle is set to feature in the defensive unit for the visitors as well.

Bradford City possible starting lineup:

Doyle; Halliday, Platt, Crichlow, Foulds; Gilliead, Smallwood; Pereira, Chapman, Wright; Cook

Harrogate Town possible starting lineup:

Jameson; Headley, Burrell, McArdle, Ramsay; Pattison, Falkingham; Grant, Daly, Muldoon; Armstrong

We say: Bradford City 2-1 Harrogate Town

With this being a local derby this is likely going to be a closely contested match, with Harrogate Town having confidence from recent results away at Bradford.

However, the Bantams have been the stronger of the two teams this season, and with the home advantage they should be able to get the victory.

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