🗞️ Preview: Bradford City vs. Bolton Wanderers

Bolton Wanderers travel across the Pennines as they look to extend their winning sequence to a seventh consecutive victory against a resurgent Bradford City at Valley Parade who are also in tremendous form. (Kick Off 3pm).

Pre-Match Quotes: 

Ian Evatt: “It’s a big game certainly, and do you know what, it really makes you think about where we’re at right now in the world that what a shame we can’t have supporters in this game. I think we’d have over 20,000 there.

"Two big clubs in their own right, both pushing to achieve something this season, both in great form and what a game it would be for fans to be in.

"I feel sorry for them that they’re not going to experience that with us. But hopefully, we can go there and put on a good show.

“I think sometimes, as we’ve seen, normally when you have a change in management, normally you get a short-term boost. But theirs hasn’t been short-term, it’s been sustained over a period now, and credit to them.

"When players start winning you get belief and confidence and you get yourself on a roll like we’re on a roll at the moment. It’s going to be a real tough game but I’m hoping that we can maintain our run and put an end to theirs.”

Connor Sellars: “When you see their team, there are a lot of good players and threats.

“We’re not surprised that they are in form and have found their way.

“They are in unbelievable form. They are confident and have found a way of playing that suits them.

“It’s going to be a different challenge to most teams.

“They have got that style of play of possession but are happy to mix it up as well and go a little bit more direct, especially in recent weeks.

“We’re going to do our homework to make sure that we know as much as we can.”

How to Watch:

Wanderers’ supporters can watch the game against Bradford City by purchasing an iFollow BWFC video match pass for just £10 you don’t have to miss a kick.

An iFollow BWFC video match pass will ensure supporters do not miss a minute of the action, with the entire match streamed through any compatible laptop, computer, tablet, or mobile device in the United Kingdom.

Team News:

Ian Evatt has no fresh injury concerns ahead of the trip to West Yorkshire and has a nearly fully fit squad to choose from.

Only long-term absentees Dennis Politic and Liam Edwards remain out of contention.

The Bantams will be without midfielder Harry Pritchard who requires surgery on a back injury with Lee Novak's spell on the sidelines likely to continue.

Bookies Odds:

Bradford City win: 8/5

Draw: 21/10

Bolton Wanderers win: 17/10

Correct as of 5/3/2021 (10am) on skybet.com

Form:

With 19 points from their last seven games, Bolton Wanderers are at the top of the Sky Bet League Two form table.

A comfortable 2-0 victory at Oldham Athletic in midweek their sixth successive league victory – something last achieved in September 2000.

Bradford have won five games on the trot and sit just behind Wanderers in the form table with their last reverse coming in early February when they lost 3-2 at Exeter City.

Last time out:

Nathan Delfouneso’s 13th-minute goal gave Ian Evatt’s men a 1-0 victory at the University of Bolton Stadium in October.

Keeper Billy Crellin made a fine penalty save from Billy Clarke to ensure that Wanderers hung on to the three points.

The last time the two teams met at Valley Parade was in February 2017. A Charlie Wyke double put the Bantams in a comfortable position at the break, but Phil Parkinson's Wanderers came roaring back to earn a point in a 2-2 draw, with the goals coming from David Wheater and Gary Madine. 

Match Officials:

Referee: Geoff Eltringham.

Assistant Referees: Rob Smith and Craig Taylor.  

Fourth Official: Shaun Hudson.