Sky Bet League One
Matchday 26 of 46
University of Bradford Stadium
Saturday, January 17th, 2026 – 12.30pm KO
KNOW YOUR OPPONENT | KEY STAFF
Chairman: Stefan Rupp
Chief Executive Officer: Ryan Sparks
Head Coach: Graham Alexander
Assistant Manager: Chris Lucketti
First Team Coach: Mark Trueman
Goalkeeping Coach: Colin Doyle
Bradford City boss Graham Alexander had an impressive career in his playing days, amassing an remarkable 981 career appearances. He made over 100 league appearances for Scunthorpe United, Luton Town and Burnley, while recording over 350 league games for Preston North End.
Making the switch to management following his retirement, he had spells as a caretaker of Preston North End, followed by permanent spells at Fleetwood Town and Scunthorpe United. Further experiences followed at Salford City, Motherwell and MK Dons prior to him joining Bradford City in November 2023.
In May 2025, Alexander achieved promotion into League One with the Bantams thanks to a dramatic goal from Antoni Sarcevic in the 96th minute on the final day of the season. The side have impressed since making the step up to the third tier.
Alexander's current record since taking over at Bradford City is 62 wins from 123 matches, a win percentage of 50.4%.
KNOW YOUR OPPONENT | CURRENT FORM
The Bantams' home fixture against Rotherham United, which was due to be played on January 10th, was postponed, meaning the side were last in action on January 4th.
A stern test entailed in the form of an away clash with Blackpool at Bloomfield Road.
After Aden Baldwin gave Bradford City the lead, the side were pegged back after the break, requiring some character to secure all three points. The Bantams got themselves over the line through a winner from Will Swan.
The side are yet to play at home this calendar year, with their last fixture at the University of Bradford Stadium resulting in a 1-0 win over Port Vale on December 29th.
Last Six | Bradford City's form
Overall: WLWWLW
Home: DLWWWW
Away: DDWLLW
KNOW YOUR OPPONENT | THE BANTAMS
The Bantams currently sit third in Sky Bet League One after 24 matches played. They have amassed a tally of 13 wins and seven draws, while just four of their fixtures have resulted in defeat.
Two points currently separate Bradford City and Lincoln City in second, with the latter having played a game greater.
Antoni Sarcevic and Bobby Pointon have both stood out for the side this season, netting seven goals apiece in the league.
Pointon has an impressive record of finding the net in every 161 minutes that he has featured, while Sarcevic was on the scoresheet in the reverse fixture at Cardiff City Stadium earlier this campaign.
The club have been busy so far in the January transfer window, adding to their promotion bid with three loan arrivals.
Newcastle United duo Harrison Ashby and Joe White have been recruited, as well as midfielder Louie Sibley from Oxford United.
2025/26 Squad
GK | Sam Walker, Joe Hilton.
DEF | Brad Halliday, Ibou Touray, Joe Wright, Neill Byrne, Josh Neufville, Tom McIntyre, Aden Baldwin, Ciarán Kelly, Lewis Richards, Curtis Tilt, Matt Pennington, Harrison Ashby.
MID | Max Power, Antoni Sarcevic, Tyreik Wright, Tommy Leigh, Jenson Metcalfe, Nick Powell, Bobby Pointon, Joe White, George Lapslie, Louie Sibley.
FOR | Calum Kavanagh, Stephen Humphrys, Will Swan.
IN DAYS GONE BY
21/01/22 | Cardiff City 6-3 Bradford City
The first ever meeting between the Bluebirds and the Bantams was a clash in January 1922, which produced a nine-goal thriller.
The 91/92 season was our first competing in the First Division of the Football League after gaining promotion in the previous season.
Under the stewardship of Fred Stewart, the side impressed and took to the new level admirably, with the transition from 1991 to 1992 entailing four consecutive wins, coming against Arsenal, Blackburn Rovers and twice against Birmingham.
That meant that City went into the clash with the Bantams full of confidence.
A clinical showing in front of the net meant Len Davies secured a hat-trick, while Jimmy Gill got two and Joe Clennell also netted.
That victory was one of many highlights, as the Bluebirds finished the campaign in an impressive fourth position.
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