So far in this campaign, Rovers have played Bradford once in League One at Prenton Park, when the game finished 2-2 and on November 5th the two were drawn together in the F.A. Cup First Round at Valley Parade where a controversial game ended with The Bantams winning 2-1.
The league game at Prenton Park in early September was an exciting affair as Rovers twice came from behind to level the game 2-2 at full time. Delroy Facey opened his account at Prenton Park whilst Chris Greenacre scored his first of two goals this season against Bradford.
At Valley Parade less than two months later, Rovers took an early sixth minute lead through Chris Greenacre and lead at the interval. However, a controversial Lee Crooks strike from around 35-yards which appeared not to cross the line gave Bradford the initative to go and win the game, as three minutes later Dean Windass gave the Bantams the lead from the penalty spot after the experienced striker had won one of those "sometimes you get them sometimes you don't" penalties.
Last season the two sides played out one of the best games Prenton Park has ever witnessed. Although though Rovers lost the game, it was a stunner as Bradford eventually ran out 5-4 winners. The two also had another close affair at Valley Parade later in the season, although it finished a less exciting 1-1.
Going into the game, Rovers probably have the upper hand.
Bradford Last 6 Home Games: LLLWDD
Tranmere Last 6 Away Games: WLDDWD
Although Tranmere have failed to beat Bradford for some time, Bradford have only won one of their last six home games, although of late they have picked up decent draws over Swansea City and Brentford who are both good shouts for automatic promotion.
Meanwhile, Tranmere go into the game on a good run of form. I myself haven't seen the Whites lose away from home since the Bradford cup match due to missing the Barnsley game.
However, the Rovers away form has been very good of late. They haven't conceeded in their last three away fixtures and are on a run of four away league fixtures without defeat (although three of them are draws).
Jones' Match Prediction: I'm going for Bradford 0-1 Tranmere. I think we are capable of keeping up our good away run and I can see Gareth Roberts scoring the only goal. Hopefully, we can maintain the good defensive away record too.
Top 15
This week, Bradford fans Adie and Raj take our Top 15 question Challange.
- Who are you, what’s your age and how long have you been supporting your club.
Adie Womersley 19, Supported city for 4 years properly.
Raj, a Bantam for 6 years and am 21
- What’s your best moment as a football fan of your club?
Beating Tranmere 5-4 last season, what a match!!
Erm, winning promotion in the 1998/1999 season when we finished 2nd in Division 1 to earn promotion to the Premiership.
- And the worst?
Losing 4-0 away to
The worst I’d say was getting relegated to League One in 2004 when we went in administration etc.
- Which player has been your all time favourite for your club?
Andy Cooke - 110% commitment 100% of the time
Peter Beagrie
- And who is your current favourite?
Andy Cooke
Dean Windass
- What’s your favourite away ground in League one?
Has to be the Galpharm Stadium - Home of Huddersfield, never seen us lose there
Favourite away ground in league 1 is Bloomfield Rd Blackpool its class
- What has your form of late been like?
On and off, home form is picking up and so is away form, we have the capabilities of reaching the playoffs, but some of the players really need a rocket firing up their jacksie.
Form of late been dreadful but we got 4 points out of 6.
- Who’s the “one to watch”?
Probably Tom Penford who has now burst onto the scene again
Dean Windass of course he is the man who was top scorer last season and has 2 goals in 2 games already.
- Do you have any youngsters to look out for?
Joe Brown and Tom Penford are the 2 best ones
Tom Penford
- What’s your biggest threat, as in corners, set pieces etc?
Marc Bridge-Wilkinson’s free kicks are cracking
Overall passing
- At the start of the season, what was your predicted finish for the season?
1st, 2-0 away win at
I’d say 6th playoffs
- Where do you see yourselves finishing now?
Mid Table
10th
- Do you think either of Tranmere or your team will get relegated or promoted?
Always love playing Tranmere so I hope not! Thought we would both go up but now both are mid table.
No I don’t
- Are you a little surprised by Tranmere’s performance so far this season?
Yes I feel they have under performed, always look a good side
Yes because they finished 3rd and should have maintained it last season one better.
- Finally, your prediction for the game?
3-2 To
2-1 to the Bantams
I'd like to thank Raj and Adie for answering their questions and I hope they enjoy the game on Saturday, just not as much as I do!