Bradford City v Crawley Town is set for 19:00 pm, April 13th, 2021. Bradford City are just three points from breaking into the play0ffs and will be looking to close the gap with back-to-back wins. Crawley Town are five points behind the Bantams in 15th place and are on a winless streak of seven games.
Bradford City v Crawley Town: Bradford Closing in on Top Six
Bradford Looking to Close Gap
The remarkable revival of Bradford City’s season continues as the playoffs look ever more achievable. The performances have not been the most convincing, however, the Bantams keep picking up points. As the playoffs get closer so do the expectations and the players are well aware of this. Anthony O’Connor spoke to the Telegraph and Argus about the new target: “The target now has got to be the play-offs. If we can give it everything, we can look ourselves in the mirror even if we don’t quite make it”.
At one stage, O’Connor’s Bradford City career was hanging by a thread. Since alienating many City fans, O’Connor is proving his worth. O’Connor’s versatility is a big asset as the centre-back is helping out in midfield as the Bantams struggle with injuries.
Although, Levi Sutton and Callum Cooke will soon be recovering and O’Connor will fall back to defence. The game also comes with a hint of sentiment for co-managers Conor Sellars and Mark Trueman. The pair oversaw their first game as Bradford City managers v Crawley Town on December 15th, 2020.
Bradford’s team will likely be unchanged from the team that played Grimsby with the possible introduction of Levi Sutton. Sutton is recovering well from his injury but co-manager Conor Sellars will not rush him back. Speaking in the pre-match press conference Sellars said: “Levi’s a player who’s done really well for us and we’re delighted to welcome him back but it’s important we do what’s best for Levi and transition him back in”.
Even with returning players, Sellars and Trueman may keep the winning system like it is. Clayton Donaldson, 37, is impressing in his new role as an attacking midfielder. And with Andy Cook and Danny Rowe fit and ready, Lee Novak will continue his recovery alongside the injured Callum Cooke, Reece Staunton, and Zeli Ismail.
Bradford City v Crawley Town: Crawley Pose Dangerous Threat
The Reds will be on the warpath as they have not won in their last seven games. Manager John Yems is hoping to ruin Bradford’s playoff chances as he attempts to rally his side. Speaking to The Argus, Yems lamented injuries: “It is no excuse we are down to the bare bones, we have got to keep the shape and keep rotating which is difficult”. Reece Grego-Cox and Tom Dallison remain unavailable. Tyler Frost, Tony Craig, Mark Wright, and George Francomb are all doubts.
The game also sees a former Bantam captain return. Josh Wright left Bradford City on bad terms after overseeing a difficult period with the club. The 31-year-old spent a season at Valley Parade during 2018-19 where he made 18 appearances. Speaking to The Argus Wright is keen to exact revenge: “It is a good place to play football, a great stadium all be it there will be no fans. But it is a great place to test ourselves as a team. But they are near us in the table and is one we come up against and really show us what we are about and one we can really look forward to”.
Bradford will need to be wary of in-form frontman Tom Nicholls, who is nominated for the League Two player of the month award. Nichols is in fine form with 11 goals in the League and will pose a big threat. Bradford City v Crawley Town will certainly be an intriguing watch.
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