This Saturday, Bradford City will look to recover from their first league defeat of the season as they host struggling Carlisle United at Valley Parade. With both teams aiming for crucial points, this League Two encounter promises to be an intriguing battle.

Bradford City currently sit 9th in League Two after a solid start to the season, but they recently lost their unbeaten record following a 2-1 defeat to Grimsby Town. Prior to that, they were on a 10-match unbeaten run in the league, and manager Graham Alexander will hope to return to winning ways.

Carlisle United, meanwhile, find themselves down in 21st place. After a disappointing start to the season, they parted ways with Paul Simpson, leaving Steven Rudd in caretaker charge. Carlisle have lost three of their first four league matches, struggling to find momentum after their relegation from League One last season.

Bradford City vs Carlisle United Head to Head

Bradford City and Carlisle United have met numerous times in the past, with recent encounters showing a fairly balanced record. Bradford have been strong at home, and they last suffered a defeat at Valley Parade in regular time back in March, making it a daunting task for Carlisle.

Carlisle, under interim management, will be looking to defy the odds, but they’ll need to improve on their early-season form, having already faced two of the current top three sides.

Bradford City vs Carlisle United Top Scorers

Bradford City

• Andy Cook: Bradford’s talisman has been in fine form, continuing from where he left off last season as their main attacking threat.
• Oliver Sanderson: Having scored in his last two matches, Sanderson is pushing for a starting role in this weekend’s clash.

Carlisle United

• Charlie Wyke: The experienced forward will be key for Carlisle as they look to climb out of the relegation zone.
• Jayden Adu-Adjei: Has been lively in attack and will need to produce a strong performance if Carlisle are to cause an upset.

Bradford City vs Carlisle United Team News

Bradford City manager Graham Alexander is expected to return to a more familiar starting lineup after making changes for their midweek EFL Trophy fixture.

Oliver Sanderson, who has scored in his last two appearances, is set to replace Calum Kavanagh in attack, while recent signing Jay Benn and Cheick Diabate are likely to remain on the bench.

Caretaker manager Steven Rudd has some decisions to make for Carlisle United, as he looks to find the right balance.

Although Jake Allen scored as a substitute in midweek, the 18-year-old is not expected to start. Rudd may revert to a defensive five after experimenting with a four-man defense in their last match.

Bradford City vs Carlisle United Predicted Line-ups

Bradford City:
Walker, Baldwin, Byrne, Kelly, Halliday, Pattison, Smallwood, Pointon, Wright, Sanderson, Cook

Carlisle United:
Lewis, Davies, Hayden, Thomas, Mellish, Williams, Vela, Jones, Neal, Wyke, Adu-Adjei

Bradford City vs Carlisle United Player to Watch

Oliver Sanderson (Bradford City): The young striker has been in excellent form, finding the back of the net in his last two matches. Sanderson will be looking to continue his scoring streak and help Bradford bounce back from their recent defeat.

Where can I watch Bradford City vs Carlisle United?

The match will be broadcast live in the UK on Sky Sports, giving fans the opportunity to catch all the action from Valley Parade.