Preview: Five talking points ahead of Bradford City v Bolton Wanderers

bwfc.co.uk previews Wanderers' upcoming away clash with the Bantams

As Wanderers prepare to travel to the Northern Commercials Stadium this weekend, bwfc.co.uk highlights five talking points ahead of their Sky Bet League One clash with the Bantams.


1. Manager's old stomping ground

Saturday's encounter with the Yorkshire outfit sees manager Phil Parkinson return to his former employers for the first time since departing City last summer.

The gaffer spent five years at Valley Parade, leading the Bantams to the League Cup Final in 2013 alongside success in the League Two Play-Off final in the same year.

There will certainly be a number of familiar faces for Parkinson this weekend, but victory for the Whites and a potential place in Sky Bet League One's top two will be the only thing on his mind.

2. A hat-trick of victories?

After seeing a winless January pass them by, Wanderers have bounced back of late to record consecutive victories against Walsall and Rochdale in the space of the last seven days.

Also unbeaten on the road in the league since December, the last victory on their travels came against Northampton Town in mid-November.

A statistic that Wanderers will no doubt be eager to banish, they will also be keen to put daylight between themselves and the chasing pack in the race for promotion.

3. Suspensions

Having picked up his tenth yellow card of the season against Rochdale on Tuesday evening, captain Jay Spearing will miss out this weekend and also next Saturday against Sheffield United.

The question now remains as to who will replace the skipper in the middle of the park, with a number of names vying for his spot.

4. Away backing

Wanderers will be backed by almost 2,500 supporters against City on Saturday afternoon, with the club having sold virtually all of their allocation.

The Whites' travelling support so far this season meanwhile was been superb, with the manager and players having praised the fans for their unwavering backing.

And with this being Bolton's first visit to Valley Parade in nearly 20 years - with the last game there finishing 2-2 - the club's faithful will no doubt play their part in what promises to be a feisty atmosphere this weekend.

5. Filipe Morais

Another man who will be returning to his former employers this Saturday is winger Filipe Morais.

The Whites' No.22 only left Valley Parade just over two weeks ago, but looks set to feature against the Bantams this weekend after impressing for Wanderers in recent weeks and will be hoping to make his mark on a crucial game for both teams.

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