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

The two sides played out a 1-1 draw in August's EFL Cup fixture, before the Bantams won the subsequent penalty shootout.

Match preview

Bradford's previous meeting with Wrexham may have taken place less than three months ago, but they head into Saturday's fixture with a different manager.

Mark Hughes was relieved of his duties earlier this month after beginning the season with just three victories in 11 league matches (D4, L4).

The Bantams opted to place Kevin McDonald in charge as caretaker player-manager, and it has had an immediate effect, with the interim boss overseeing three consecutive victories in all competitions.

After beating Swindon Town and Grimsby Town in the league and EFL Trophy respectively, Bradford claimed a narrow win over AFC Wimbledon last weekend following a second-half effort from Emmanuel Osadebe.

Having won their last two league games via a 1-0 scoreline, 11th-placed Bradford will be hoping to record a third consecutive clean sheet in Saturday's contest.

Wrexham may have only won promotion from the National League last term, but they are already looking to take another step up the English football pyramid.

The Red Dragons, who occupy the fifth position, are sitting outside the top three on goal difference after racking up 23 points from their 13 league matches.

Since suffering a heavy 5-0 defeat to Stockport County on September 23, former Bradford boss Phil Parkinson has seen his Wrexham side put together a five-game unbeaten run in all competitions.

Their fine spell of form looked set to end last Saturday after they gave Salford City a two-goal headstart, but they produced a stunning comeback to win 3-2 thanks to goals from Elliott Lee, Steven Fletcher and Jordan Davies.

After coming from behind last weekend, Wrexham will travel to Yorkshire with the chance to clinch a fourth straight competitive victory.

Bradford City League Two form:

D

W

L

L

W

W

Bradford City form (all competitions):

L

L

L

W

W

W

Wrexham League Two form:

W

L

D

D

W

W

Wrexham form (all competitions):

L

D

D

W

W

W

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Team News

Bradford are still without the injured Alex Pattison, but McDonald has indicated that Harry Chapman and Clarke Oduor are closing in on a return to fitness and could feature in the matchday squad.

Ash Taylor could make his second league start of the season, with Matty Platt set to serve a one-match suspension for an accumulation of yellow cards.

After coming off the bench to score the winning goal last weekend, Osadebe is in contention to start against Wrexham.

As for the visitors, they are still expected to be without Anthony Forde and Jacob Mendy, while Andy Cannon will serve the second game of a three-match suspension.

Ryan Barnett, who has just served his own three-game ban, could be included in the starting lineup for Saturday's away trip.

Fletcher could be presented with his first start for the club after coming off the bench to score in the win over Salford.

Bradford City possible starting lineup:

Lewis; Halliday, Taylor, Stubbs, Ridehalgh; Gilliead, Smallwood; Pointon, Walker, Osadebe; Cook

Wrexham possible starting lineup:

Okonkwo; Barnett, O'Connell, Hayden, O'Connor, McClean; Evans, Jones, Lee; Mullin, Fletcher

We say: Bradford City 1-1 Wrexham

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