After a slow start to life in League Two, Bradford City have a chance to secure three points against a team with three defeats in three games so far this season – two in the League and one in the Carabao Cup. The fixture has increased importance as both sides are desperate for points. The pressure mounts for both teams as they are still looking to secure their first win of the 2019/2020 season.
Bradford City Looking for First Win Against Oldham Athletic
Selections
After the 4-0 thumping from Preston North End, Gary Bowyer will look to reinstate a stronger starting eleven in the hope of victory. Bowyer will have some headaches regarding the starting 11 after Sean Scannell and Shay McCarten have been declared fit to play.
After Anthony O’Conner’s dismal display against Preston, will Bowyer look to start young Paudie O’Connor in his place? There certainly is an argument to bench the former City captain in favour of Paudie. Elsewhere, we could see Shay McCarten occupy the number ten role after lacklustre performances from Eoin Doyle.
Oldham Athletic
Oldham have so far been sloppy at the back, conceding eight goals in their opening fixtures. However, they have been free-scoring at the other end and will give the Bradford backline plenty to think about. Oldham were almost through to the second round of the Carabao Cup after leading Championship side Blackburn Rovers. However, two goals in stoppage time tipped the League Two club out of the competition.
This should show that Oldham won’t be a pushover in the upcoming fixture and could use the defeat as inspiration.
Geoff Eltringham will be the man in charge of the game. Eltringham officiated 37 games last season handing out 124 yellow cards and five red cards. Matthew McGrath and Akil Howson will assist the referee, with Jonathan Hunt as the fourth official.
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