Preview: Bradford City Vs Mansfield Town — Bantams Braced To Hit Century
Bradford City Vs Mansfield Town is the focus as the Bantams prepare to host Mansfield, with home form and a talk of a 100-point target dominating build-up. Graham Alexander has warned the milestone cannot be taken for granted and stressed his side must work hard to beat Mansfield.
Bradford City Vs Mansfield Town: Home Fortress And The 100-Point Conversation
Bradford’s home form is the central story. The team have won 31 of their last 41 league games at Valley Parade, losing only four and picking up 99 points in that run. That extraordinary record has been a major factor in carrying the club into the League One play-offs.
Alexander underlined the importance of the home atmosphere and supporters in creating that run. He said: “Let’s not talk about something we haven’t done yet, the 100 points thing. Don’t be pre-empting it because it’s not a guarantee and we’ll have to work hard to beat Mansfield. ” He added that winning in front of larger home crowds creates a different feeling compared with smaller away followings: it is “the feeling that creates in the city. ”
The last time Bradford lost a midweek home game was a 3-0 defeat to Notts County in March 2024, a result that coincided with a difficult spell and fan protests. Despite recent away struggles—six defeats from seven matches—Bradford still hold the 10th best away record in the division with 20 points from 19 games, and only two sides have left Valley Parade with victory all season.
Team News And Likely XI
Aden Baldwin will be unavailable as he serves the remainder of a three-game suspension for a sending-off earlier this month. As a result, Matt Pennington, Curtis Tilt and Ibou Touray are expected to continue in defence. Stephen Humphrys is a candidate to start in place of Ethan Wheatley.
A suggested Bradford line-up put forward in build-up lists: Walker; Pennington, Tilt, Touray; Nuefville, Metcalfe, Power, Wright; Sarcevic, Pointon; Humphrys. Alexander’s selection choices reflect an emphasis on maintaining the home stability that has produced strong results at Valley Parade.
Mansfield Form, Match Threats And Selection
Mansfield arrive with momentum, unbeaten in their last four league games. Their recent sequence includes a 1-0 win over Reading and a 2-2 draw with Barnsley in which they came from 2-0 down, with a stoppage-time equaliser securing a point. Manager Nigel Clough will hope to build on that fightback spirit at Valley Parade.
Selection options for the visitors could see Jon Russell return to the side for Aaron Lewis. Rhys Oates and Victor Adeboyejo are expected to lead the line. Defensive continuity could be provided by Kyle Knoyle, Deji Oshilaja and Frazer Blake-Tracy. It is noted that Mansfield have only lost to Bradford once in their last six league meetings, a run that includes a 3-0 victory in January when Rhys Oates scored twice and Akins also found the net.
Alexander’s caution about the 100-point talk frames the immediate outlook: Bradford must reproduce their Valley Parade form and overcome a Mansfield side showing recent resilience if they are to secure the win that supporters hope will edge their campaign forward.
