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

Meanwhile, Bradford will be looking to get back to winning ways here after losing to Stockport County last time out.

Match preview

Salford City recorded their third consecutive away win in the league last time out, with a 1-0 victory over Northampton Town.

Ethan Galbraith's strike during first-half stoppage time sent the travelling Ammies fans in buoyant mood and keeps Salford firmly in the playoff places after 12 games played.

A win here could see Salford leapfrog last weekend's opponents into an automatic promotion place, providing Northampton lose against Leyton Orient.

However, Neil Wood's side have not won at home since they beat Stevenage at the end of August. Perhaps a bigger concern is the fact that a recognised striker has not found the back of the net since Callum Hendry's strike against Crawley Town a month ago.

Nevertheless, this is a chance for Wood's men to record back-to-back home victories to go alongside the away wins.

They welcome Bradford on Saturday before local rivals Stockport County make the short trip across Greater Manchester the week after.

Meanwhile, Bradford suffered a defeat at home to Stockport last time out, but they still remain in the playoff places despite the setback.

That loss came after Mark Hughes's side were beaten on penalties in midweek by Leicester City's Under-21s in the EFL Trophy.

One cause for optimism for the Bantams is that they have won their last three away games in the league.

Prior to the defeat against Stockport, Bradford beat Harrogate Town at Wetherby Road thanks to goals from Andy Cook and Tyreik Wright.

That victory came after Bradford had beaten Tranmere Rovers at Prenton Park and conquered Hartlepool United at Victoria Park.

They will be eager to get back to winning ways after a disappointing defeat at home, and their away form is certainly a factor that will give Hughes encouragement that his side can get a result here.

Salford City League Two form:

D

W

L

W

D

W

Salford City form (all competitions):

W

L

D

W

D

W

Bradford City League Two form:

W

W

W

D

W

L

Bradford City form (all competitions):

W

W

D

W

L

L

Team News

Salford appear to be at full strength, which will be pleasing for Neil Wood.

Callum Hendry has led the line for Salford since the departure of Brandon Thomas-Asante, who left late in the transfer window for West Bromwich Albion, so it looks likely Hendry will retain his place here.

Josh O'Brien made his EFL debut as a starter last time out against Northampton, so he could start again or Wood may opt for more experience in the form of Ashley Eastham.

Meanwhile, Emmanuel Osadebe remains out for the visitors after undergoing leg surgery in July.

Apart from that, Mark Hughes could name an unchanged side from the defeat against Stockport, with having a full week to prepare for this fixture.

Andy Cook, who was the League Two Player of the Month for September, has been in prolific form for the Bantams, bagging nine times in 12 appearances and five in Bradford's last three games away from home, so he will fancy his chances of getting on the scoresheet here.

Salford City possible starting lineup:

King; Eastham, Vassell, Leak; Bolton, Watt, Galbraith, Watson, Touray; Hendry, Smith

Bradford City possible starting lineup:

Lewis; Halliday, Platt, Odusina, Foulds; Smallwood, Gilliead; Pereira, Chapman, Wright; Cook

We say: Salford City 1-1 Bradford City

We think Salford's lack of goals from a recognised striker will continue to hurt them until Callum Hendry finds his shooting boots.

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