Tuesday 28th October, 20082 years ago, at the end of October
Didn’t you used to be us? – Bradford City vs Bury – League Two Preview
When this Bradford City vs Bury fixture crept onto the horizon a few weeks ago it seemed very much like the Bantams would be looking at getting something from a tricky visit from one of the top three as they struggled to stay in the play-off places.
The game will no doubt still be tricky but with Bury losing 2-1 at home at the weekend to Luton the Bantams are a point and three places above the Shakers with Shrewsbury and Darlington sandwiched in-between.
All four play-off teams have seem – at times – to be about to become the team to beat in League Two. City are last month’s Brentford, Bury are last week’s.
The visitors are looking to get back to the winning ways The Bantams found on Friday at Grimsby and Stuart McCall will be hoping his players dig in for the same kind of battle bested at Blundell Park.
McCall has brought Nicky Law Jnr back to the club on loan as the effects of five games in two weeks begin to pile up. Joe Colbeck joins Mark Bower, Paul Heckingbottom and Lee Bullock on the injured list and two suspensions – Omar Daley and Matthew Clarke. Daley’s suspension will kick in on Friday leaving both (we think) and he is free to play tonight. Clarke M does not play.
Clarke M and his place in the back four alongside Graeme Lee will be taken by TJ Moncur with Paul Arnison or Tom Clarke coming in at right back and the oft impressive Luke O’Brien on the left. Rhys Evans will stay in-between the sticks because not only is he the only goalkeeper at the club he also played a blinder at Grimsby.
Daley’s last game before suspension could see him switch to right to cover Colbeck with Kyle Nix coming in on the left although speculation and wishful thinking on the part of some have Willy Topp on the right and Daley left on the left. Topp impressed in that role in pre-season.
Others put Topp up front alongside Peter Thorne with Michael Boulding switching out wide left while some think that will happen but see Barry Conlon in rather than the man from Chile.
Paul McLaren and Dean Furman will no doubt see off the challenge from Law Jnr for the middle midfield berths with both playing excellently going forward and Law having never suggested that he is the man to plug any defensive gaps in the midfield.
At close of play some things will have become clear for both these teams: How much will City miss Colbeck who’s importance in the side seemingly grows with every game? Can Bury break the losing run by playing away from Gigg Lane? Have the Bantams put the bad patch to bed or just played a bad Grimsby? Will Willy Topp play? If he does, will he be any good? All these questions, and more, will be answered…
However come nine thirty on Tuesday night we will be no clearer in knowing if either of these teams is to be promoted. Wins in League Two jump you over this week’s losers but the pattern of the season is frequency of movement bubbling under the top.
Given the quality of our loan signings from Sheff Utd Hudders and Rangers we are sending out a clear signal that the club are committed to the promotion quest – I think we will see Nicky Law take Colbecks role and I reckon TJ will keep his centre half position (up to Matt Clarke to win it back then).
Arnison or Clarke for right back – I think the young ‘un will win that one based on his performance at Grimsby.
With Brandon, Colbeck, Hecky, Bower and Bullock all injured it was vital we got the loans in and they are all young and eager to prove themselves but have quality in abundance.
‘Tuesday Night Valley Parade’ hosted two of my favorite games last season, Rotherham and Shrewsbury. Both were exhilarating performances that showed City’s attacking ability at it’s full potential.
I’m expecting a blistering first 20 minutes to this encounter, that could see either side take the lead. Hopefully, City can continue where they left off and produce the start that Stuart has today (T&A) demanded!
My preference is to start TJ in the middle and Arnison at right back. Nick Junior on the right of midfield and Boulding and Thorne upfront.
I hope everyone enjoys the game! Come’on City!
I know what Tom means about last season’s Tuesday night games (we’ll gloss over the Accrington debacle in the spirit of positivity..!!)
I live in Huddersfield and work with many TB supporters, quite a few of whom actually think we’ve got the more talented of the Clarke brothers on loan, so here’s hoping for another good showing from Tom tonight. Bizarrely, I think Matt Clarke’s suspension will actually be good news for the team, as his recent displays seemed to just bring panic to the defence.
Here’s to a cracking game! Come on you Bantams!