Port Vale v Bradford City preview – no time for Valiants to be April fools as huge promotion test looms

The Vale view

Form

Despite those blips against Barrow and Colchester, Vale have now won three out of five and revived their promotion chances. It’s seemingly just in time for a couple of huge matches – this test against Bradford followed by a trip to current leaders Walsall. It seems like the next few days will go a long way toward determining Vale’s fate this season.

Fitness

There’s doubts over wingbacks Tom Sang and Kyle John for this clash. Sang dislocated his shoulder against Crewe while John picked up an injury in training. Otherwise, it’s just the long-term injured, so that means that defender Ben Heneghan, wingback Jaheim Headley and midfielder George Byers all miss out on this game.

Team selection

It seems unlikely that Darren Moore will make too many unenforced changes although he could be forced into one thanks to Tom Sang’s shoulder. If Sang misses out then it’s down to Kyle John’s fitness whether he comes in. If John isn’t fit then Jack Shorrock may be next in line.

Possible line-up

Formation: 3-4-3

Starting eleven: Ripley – Debrah, Smith, Hall – Clark, Croasdale, Walters, John – Garrity – Stockley, Tolaj

Viewing guide

This mid-game will be shown on Sky Sports+ in the UK so Vale fans in the UK will be able to watch if they can’t attend. Viewers outside of the UK can see the game on the PVTV service.

Guide to the opposition

Club factfile

• Team: Bradford City
• League: League Two
• Manager: Graham Alexander

Trivia: Bradford have been in great form during 2025, winning thirteen out of twenty games

Man in charge

The experienced Graham Alexander is in his sixth permanent managerial roles after spells with Fleetwood, Scunthorpe Utd, Salford City, Motherwell and MK Dons. The 53 year-old was appointed in November 2023 and has managed 43 wins from 82 games in charge.

Form

Decent. Bradford are in second place afterall. However, they have had a bit of dip with two losses in their last four matches. Their last away trip ended in a somewhat deflated 0-0 draw at Accrington.

Squad and injuries

Barnsley loanee Jack Shepherd could come back into contention after a hip injury. However, the visitors will still be missing influential striker Andy Cook who has been out injured since January.

One to watch

It’s tricky to single out a player as Alexander has often shuffled his pack. George Lapslie has four goals in his last five games.

History

Former Connections

There are no current connections but in recent years there have been several players to appear for both. They include striker Kian Harratt, who had contrasting loan spells at the two sides; midfielder Callum Guy; forward Kurtis Guthrie and midfielder Will Atkinson.

Featured connection

Forward Ron Futcher earned cult status at Vale Park after he joined in 1988 following his signing from Bradford City. Futcher had joined the Bantams for £40,000 in 1987 and scored 23 times in 53 appearances. Rudge infamously gazumped Mansfield Town to Futcher’s signature and the veteran proved the ideal foil to Darren Beckford as the side romped to promotion in 1989. Futch scored 23 times in 69 games and (another Rudge masterstroke) was then sold for a £25,00 profit to Burnley.

Overall record

• Port Vale wins: 35
• Port Vale losses: 45
• Draws: 33

Trivia: Vale are unbeaten in their last two home fixtures against Bradford.

Last time we met

Two goals from striker Andy Cook saw the then out of form Valiants slip to a 2-1 away loss. Vale’s goalscorer was Antwoine Hackford while Tom Sang was also shown a red card late on.

Fixture history

The two sides first met in 1903 when it ended in a comprehensive 5-3 win for the Valiants. The goalscorers were Tom Coxon (2), Adrian Capes (pictured, centre of the image), Tom Simpson and an own-goal. The return match was a 1-1 draw, The clubs last met during the 2021-22 with Vale unbeaten during both fixtures.

Archive

The Port Vale programme front cover for the game against Bradford City in 1971. It finished in a 1-0 win for the Valiants with Tony Lacey scoring the winner.

A clipping from an encounter in 1930:

Brief history

The club was founded in 1903 and was immediately elected into the Football League. They were promoted into the first division in 1908 and won the FA Cup final in 1911. In 1999 they reached the Premier League where they enjoyed a two year stay.

Club records

• Record appearance holder: Cyril (Ces) Podd (502)
• Record goalscorer: Bobby Campbell (143)
• Biggest win: 11-1 versus Rotherham United, 1928
• Biggest loss: 1-9 versus Colchester United, 1961

Your views

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