Cardiff City v. Bradford City - Match Preview


Faces Former Club

By Chris O'Brien
August 16 2003

Gareth Whalley faces his former club tomorrow as the Bluebirds entertain Bradford City in the first Division One game at Ninian Park since 1985. Alan Lee and Richard Langley could both make their City debuts against the Bantams, who drew 2-2 with Norwich City last Saturday. New Page 6

Cardiff City v. Bradford City
Football League Division One

The Bluebirds entertain Bradford City on Saturday, in the first Division One game at Ninian Park since 1985.

A crowd of at least 16,000 is expected (four times the size of the League Cup crowd mid-week!) as City look to continue their unbeaten form so far against a side who are tipped for relegation by many.

The Bantams have had a mixed start to the season. A late comeback saw them get an impressive 2-2 with promotion hopefuls Norwich City on the opening day of the season, but hopes of easing financial woes with a League Cup run were dashed at the first hurdle following a shock penalty shoot-out defeat to Darlington.

City's new signing Richard Langley and Alan Lee are both available for selection tomorrow, and are set to start.

Lennie Lawrence has also been boosted by the news that Rhys Weston is available for selection. The Welsh international missed Tuesday's Carling League Cup win over Leyton Orient with a foot problem, but Weston has responded well to treatment and is fit to start.

Neil Alexander, Graham Kavanagh, John Robinson and all expected to return to the starting line-up after being rested mid-week, but Willie Boland may have to settle on a place on the bench, depending on whether Lawrence throws Langley straight into match action.

Peter Thorne, Gavin Gordon and Gary Croft are all still suffering from injuries, and will be unavailable for selection.

The game will be a big occasion for Gareth Whalley, who is almost certain to start after coming through the League Cup game well. City's left winger faces his former club tomorrow, and is looking forward to the prospect.

"There aren't to many of the old lads with them now, but it be great to play Bradford, I had a great time there." said Whalley.

Bradford boss Nicky Law is expected to name both Jason Gavin and Wayne Jacobs in his starting XI tomorrow. Gavin, who moved to Valley Parade from Middlesbrough during the Summer, and Jacobs have both been suffering from slight injuries over the past few days.

The last time the two clubs met was in the Second Division during the 1994/1995 relegation season. The Bantams were 4-2 victors at Ninian Park, but the Bluebirds caused a shock on their away trip, with a 3-2 win.

If you fancy a flutter on tomorrow's match, the Bluebirds have been made favourites priced at 5/6. Bradford are outsiders at 11/4, with the draw priced at 9/4.

One to Watch - Dean Windass
Dean Windass is a very experienced striker who has played at the highest level, and could be the man who leads Bradford to safety, and mabye even a Playoff charge this season.

The 34-year-old returned to Valley Parade in the Summer, re-signing from Middlesbrough.

Windass has also played for Aberdeen and Oxford United, and is one of the Football Leagues most well-known names.

Bluebird to the Bone Prediction - Cardiff City 1-0 Bradford City
City to beat the Bantams 1-0, with Lee on the scoresheet.

Expect a tough game against a hard-working side, but I tip City to come away with three points.

C'mon City!

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