Attention returns to the league after our midweek success at Rochdale, a first, and morale boosting, away victory over Keith Hill’s men.
Stuart’s still looking for the first away win over Paul Simpson and this fixture offers the opportunity for Stuart McCall and Bradford City to build on their 3 game winning streak.
Shrewsbury are adjusting to life post-Grant Holt and, like us, post-failure-to-meet-expectations last year. They’ve got one more point than us and have a goal difference of -1 rather than -4 at this stage with an unbeaten home record and come into this game on the back of a good away win at Accrington last Saturday.
Prior to that they had drawn 1-1 at home to Chesterfield and lost 5-0 at Dagenham & Redbridge. After last year’s game during which TJ Moncur collapsed on his way off the pitch and Lee Bullock sustained the injury that kept him out of Stuart McCall’s plans for some time the 2-0 defeat in Shropshire came at a time when the Bantams had momentum and had started well.
3 games won in a row is momentum of sorts but it’s questionable whether we as yet have ‘the big mo’. Stuart’s young squad are not burnt by previous experiences at Shrewsbury. Hopefully they can make it another day of firsts for Stuart McCall’s Bradford City.
Vital Quotes:
Zesh Rehman, club captain, talking to the Telegraph & Argus about the opportunities for goals that are coming from around the squad (8 goals, from 8 players) ‘I`m sure the pleasing thing from the coach`s point of view is the variety of goals. We`re scoring from set-pieces, midfield runners, centre backs and defenders – every aspect of the game is coming off.
As a unit going forward, and not just with the strikers, we`re looking threatening and hopefully we can keep that going.’
For a side yet to score at Shrewsbury’s new ground today would be the perfect moment to do something about maintaining the goalscoring form absent until our visit to Cheltenham
Paul Simpson, Shrewsbury chief, talking to the Beeb about the injury crisis sweeping his club ‘It’s not ideal, but it’s a fantastic chance for them to taste first-team football.
They’ve worked extremely hard, and who knows – this might be the moment for them to show us they can perform on the first-team pitch.
The silly thing is though, that had we only had 18 players available last season when we only needed 16, then no-one would’ve batted an eyelid.’
Shrewsbury Town Team News:
Paul Simpson has only 18 fit players to put into his 18-man squad which will mean a taste of first team action for Andre Gray, Harry Hooman, Jake Simpson and Andreas Arestidou.
His biggest concerns are goalkeeper Chris Neal (groin) and midfielder Craig Disley (knee).
Player to watch: Dave Hibbert
Could it yet again be a case of the ex?
Two season’s ago it was Hibbert’s early Clarke-conceded penalty that gave the hosts three points. And he’s looked good so far this season, scoring the crowning goal last week.
Bradford City Team News:
In goal Simon Eastwood will continue as Stuart talks about building his confidence whilst the fans still can’t understand what this means for Jon McLaughlin who has put university on hold to sit on our bench for two years.
A solid defensive display from Jon Bateson at right back is unlikely to stop Stuart recalling Zesh to the middle and switching Ramsden back to the flank. Steve Williams and Luke O’Brien will continue.
In midfield Stuart McCall continues to face concerns over Steve O’Leary. Injury is damaging his chances of extending the short-term deal he has with the club despite his positive showing against Port Vale. However, a midfield led by the increasingly effective and impressive Michael Flynn seems to be up for the fight.
Stuart looks set to continue with hsi 4-5-1/4-3-3 with Flynn being placed alongside Lee Bullock and James O’Brien. Scott Neilson (given Stuart’s protection from over-expectant fans earlier this week) and Gareth Evans will take to the flanks whilst James Hanson leads the line.
Peter Thorne’s injury has solved some of Stuart’s selection headaches but Michael Boulding has shaken off his injury, and Chris Brandon his virus to press for inclusion.
I’ve accused Stuart of lacking reactive strategies but with these players waiting in the wings, and a set of players that work hard however Stuart sets them up that may no longer be fair. 4-5-1 has been switching to 4-3-3 but it may be that Stuart chooses to revert to a 4-4-2 with Boulding and Evans partnering one another, Hanson on the left, Brandon on the right and Flynn and Boulding down the middle.
Is it good that we can’t easily predict the shape of the personnel? Or is it dangerous?
Player to watch: Scott Neilson
Whether Stuart tells us to give him time to settle or not people have already attached lofty expectations and labels to the new signing. Despite being the same age as Joe Colbeck and plying his trade in the non-leagues there is a camp that claims him to be far superior to the departed Colbeck.
Time will tell and today will be one of those occasions when Neilson gets a chance to continue to impress as a Bantam
Match Facts & Stats
This fixture, as already stated, has not proved happy for the Bantams under Stuart McCall.
In fact, the last time we came away with three points from Shropshire was November 1994. 15 years later it might be worth putting that statistic to bed.
We certainly want to improve on a record of 21 games played, 14 defeats.
Ref Watch:
Standing between us and success is a referee who favours the home side 50% of the time and whoever we’re playing 50%.
Ladies and gentlemen, Scott Mathieson
Match Prediction:
Given the above I think the most we can hope for is a draw. Even with our form we’re not good travellers. Pity.
Next Fixtures:
Next Saturday its Burton Albion’s first ever league visit to Valley Parade. I’ll be missing it due to a wedding. The previous meeting between us was an FA Cup fixture that ran out finishing 4-3 to the Bradfordian hosts.
