Morecambevs.Bradford

The two sides have already met in Lancashire this season, with a League Two contest ending in a goalless stalemate.

Match preview

Morecambe continue their FA Cup campaign on Saturday aiming to reach the third round for the second consecutive season, having advanced to that stage last time around with impressive away wins over Lincoln City and Wycombe Wanderers.

That run was then ended in another tough trip to second-tier Swansea City, and the Shrimps bowed out following a 2-0 defeat, before again prevailing in the first round this term, meeting Worthing in early November and progressing with a 2-0 victory thanks to goals from Jordan Slew and Rhys Williams.

The Shrimps have since experienced a mixed run in what has been a tough League Two campaign thus far, currently sitting in the relegation zone having earned 13 points from their 17 games thus far, including a 1-1 draw when they last hosted Bradford City in October, having been pegged back late on after leading through an own goal.

Since their last cup victory, Derek Adams's men have managed two victories and two defeats in England's fourth tier, most recently bouncing back from back-to-back losses by winning 3-2 away at Swindon Town on Saturday, having initially gone 2-0 up through Jamie Stott and Ben Tollitt and been pegged back to 2-2 before Hallam Hope netted the decisive goal 12 minutes from time.

Having rebuilt a degree of confidence and moved within touching distance of safety with that victory, Morecambe will now turn their focus to the FA Cup and bid to progress with a second straight win.

Their visitors, meanwhile, will aim to end a four-match winless streak against Morecambe and former boss Derek Adams to punch their own ticket to the third round for the first time since 2018.

Bradford City began their latest FA Cup campaign in November on the back of three consecutive third-round exits, most recently dropping out at the hands of Wycombe Wanderers last year, and met Aldershot Town at Valley Parade.

Graham Alexander's side were able to end their wait for a second-round spot with a 3-1 triumph in that contest, coming from behind thanks to goals from Vadaine Oliver and Calum Kavanagh and a Christian Maghoma own goal, but that has proved to be their only victory in their last six outings.

In their two League Two outings since, the Bantams visited Fleetwood Town and Colchester United, suffering a 1-0 defeat and playing out a 1-1 draw respectively to drop to 10th spot in England's fourth tier, before most recently hosting Rotherham United in the EFL Trophy in mid-November and falling to another 1-0 loss as Shaun McWilliams netted the only goal.

Now well rested having seen their meeting with Accrington Stanley postponed last weekend, Bradford will aim to make a return to winning ways on Saturday to progress in the FA Cup and kickstart an upturn in form.

Morecambe FA Cup form:

W

Morecambe form (all competitions):

L

W

W

L

L

W

Bradford City FA Cup form:

W

Bradford City form (all competitions):

D

L

W

L

D

L

Team News

Morecambe should field a similar starting XI from their victory over Swindon Town last time out, although Hallam Hope should earn a start up front after netting the winning goal off the bench.

He could displace Marcus Dackers and lead the line with support from Jordan Slew, Adam Lewis and Ben Tollitt, who leads the squad with seven goals so far this season.

Captain Yann Songo'o could be afforded a starting opportunity in midfield, while Jamie Stott and Liverpool loanee Rhys Williams will continue at the heart of a back four.

Given the rest since their last outing, Graham Alexander should field a full-strength Bradford City starting XI for Saturday's trip.

Andy Cook, who has netted 11 goals this season including nine in 16 League One outings, will lead the line, while Tyler Smith, Oliver Sanderson and Vadaine Oliver will compete to partner the talisman.

Jamie Walker and Richie Smallwood could again partner up in the midfield, allowing Bobby Pointon to take on an attacking role in a 3-4-1-2 shape.

Morecambe possible starting lineup:

Burgoyne; Hendrie, Williams, Stott, Tutonda; White, Songo'o; Tollitt, Lewis, Slew; Hope

Bradford City possible starting lineup:

Walker; Halliday, Byrne, Shepherd; Benn, Walker, Smallwood, Richards; Pointon; Cook, Oliver

We say: Morecambe 1-2 Bradford City

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