The Game
Bradford City v Argyle. The University of Bradford Stadium. Tuesday, 21 April. 7.45pm. Sky Bet League One.
The Opposition
Bradford are fourth in League One, with 72 points from 43 games. They have won 21, drawn nine and lost 13. They cannot catch the top two teams, Lincoln City and Cardiff City, who are promoted, and are six points ahead of the team just outside the play-off positions – which is Argyle.
Having been promoted from League Two last season, Bradford continued their momentum from the off, winning seven of their first ten games, and losing just once. From the beginning of October, the Bantams had a run of six games where they drew five and lost one, before regaining their form in the run-up to Christmas.
Into the New Year came another run of victories, as Bradford won six in eight, but they again stumbled, losing three consecutive matches, admittedly against leading teams Cardiff, Huddersfield Town and Lincoln.
Bradford continued their pattern of feast or famine, winning five and lost four in their next nine. In fact, following their aforementioned run of five draws in six, it was 21 games before another draw, which was against Mansfield Town on 17 March. Since then, Bradford have surprisingly lost at Burton Albion, reacted with wins over Northampton Town and Wycombe Wanderers, and then lost at home to Stevenage before a draw at Barnsley on Saturday.
The Gaffer
Graham Alexander was a right-back throughout the majority of his playing career, featuring on the pitch for Scunthorpe United, Luton Town, Preston North End and Burnley. The defender also represented his nation, receiving 40 caps for Scotland.
Upon retiring, Alexander spent a short period at Preston as Head of Youth Development before leaving to become Fleetwood Town’s manager in December 2012. In his nearly three years at Highbury, Alexander led the Reds to promotion before being sacked.
Next came two seasons at Scunthorpe United in which the Scot came close to another promotion, losing to Millwall in the League One play-off semi-final. Ahead of the 2018/19 campaign, Alexander took charge at Salford City, who were then in the National League. He led them to promotion at the first time of asking, but was sacked just over a year later.
Next, Alexander had a stint in Scotland with Motherwell, which lasted just over a year, before he returned to England to become MK Dons’ head coach. He was then sacked after just 16 games, despite winning League Two Manager of the Month four weeks previously.
Less than a month later, he was picked up by Bradford City, where he remains.
The Squad
Left-sided defender Ibou Touray has been a mainstay of this Bradford team. Typically at left-back or left wing-back, although capable of playing in central defence too, Touray has played 39 league games, this season, all but one from the start. Touray, 31, was born in Liverpool, but has 23 caps for the Gambian national team. He began his career in non-league with Chester, Rhyl and Nantwich, but his move to Salford City saw him earn his way into the EFL, where he has remained. In 2023, after six years with Salford, Touray went to Stockport County, where he spent two seasons, before switching to Bradford last summer.
Goalkeeper Sam Walker, 34,has played every game this season. Starting out at Chelsea, Walker had several loans out, including two at Colchester United, where Walker later signed permanently, and played over 200 games for in all. After leaving the Essex side, Walker played for several clubs, mostly as a back-up, before pitching up at Bradford in 2024, where he established himself as first choice.
Argyle fans will be familiar with former Greens midfielder Antoni Sarcevic (above). A man who claimed his ninth career promotion last season, Sarcevic has ten goals this term for Bradford. As well as playing for the likes of Fleetwood Town, Bolton Wanderers and Stockport County, Sarcevic represented Argyle from 2017 to 2020, scoring 20 goals in 132 games.
Previous Meeting
Earlier this season, the sides met at Home Park, with Bradford winning 1-0. Former Argyle player Antoni Sarcevic scored the only goal of the game, from the penalty spot, just before the hour mark.
A Strip for the Trip
Argyle will be wearing their pink third kit for this game.
Argyle TV
Argyle TV’s coverage will begin with the Pre-Match Show, which starts at 7.15pm, with Charlie Price joined by Marc Edworthy. They will then hand over to the stadium for live commentary from Rob McNichol and former Argyle midfielder Lee Makel.
Match passes to watch this game on Argyle TV are available overseas. CLICK HERE for more information.
