Preview: Bradford City vs. Grimsby Town - prediction, team news, lineups

Despite that loss it is the visitors who have had the stronger start to the campaign, and could potentially push into a League Two playoff spot with a victory this weekend.

Match preview

Bradford City have had a mixed start to the new season with two victories, draws, and defeats leaving them in a midtable position following the opening six games.

While the Bantams have not quite kicked on from missing out on promotion via the playoffs last season, there have still been plenty of positive signs for Mark Hughes to take.

One of those has been his team's home form, which was a problem last season, as Bradford City have won both of their games at Valley Parade so far, while his men do head into this weekend on the back of a three-match undefeated streak.

The Bantams knocked Wrexham out of the EFL Cup via penalties, but they were unable to find the back of the net last weekend away at Mansfield Town which led to a goalless draw.

Scoring goals has been a problem for Bradford City in general this season, having only managed four so far in the league with the pressure mounting on talisman Andy Cook, who is yet to open his account for this campaign.

The visitors have had a slightly stronger start to the season, picking up one more draw and one less defeat than their opponents this weekend, which is why they head into Saturday sitting three places higher in the table.

However, Grimsby Town are yet to win a League Two match away from home, and they head into this match on the back of a 2-0 defeat in midweek against Barnsley in the Football League Trophy.

Goals from Owen Dodgson and Aiden Marsh proved enough to beat Paul Hurst's men and he will now want to see an immediate reaction from the squad.

The Mariners are undefeated in their past four League Two fixtures though, having put together a consistent run since their only defeat of the campaign so far.

Grimsby Town could find themselves climbing into a playoff position with three points this weekend, and while it may still be early days that would no doubt inject further belief into the club.

Bradford City League Two form:

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Bradford City form (all competitions):

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Grimsby Town League Two form:

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Grimsby Town form (all competitions):

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Team News

Cook is expected to lead the line for the Bantams this weekend, but the pressure is starting to mount on him due to his lack of goals following his impressive campaign last season which led to a summer contract extension.

However, at the other end of the field, there could be a debut for new signing Jonathan Tomkinson who has joined Bradford City on a season-long loan from Norwich City.

Hughes will be without the services of Clarke Oduor this weekend though as the midfielder has been called up for international duty, representing Kenya.

Jake Eastwood could find himself back between the sticks this weekend after he was rested in midweek, as he aims to secure consecutive clean sheets.

Grimsby Town have been without the attacking services of Otis Khan and Donovan Wilson and while they are expected back in training soon, this fixture will come too soon for the pair.

Bradford City possible starting lineup:

Lewis; Platt, Stubbs, Tomkinson; Oyegoke, Pattison, Smallwood, Richard; Smith, Walker; Cook

Grimsby Town possible starting lineup:

Eastwood; Efete, Mullarkey, Maher, Driscoll-Glennon; Gnahoua, Andrews, Hunt, Khouri, Vernam; Pyke

We say: Bradford City 1-0 Grimsby Town

Bradford Cty are struggling for goals this season, which means they will need a strong defensive performance to guarantee all three points this weekend, which is something that they are capable of.

While Grimsby Town will no doubt pose questions of the Bantams, in front of a packed crowd it should be the hosts that just edge this one.

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