Looking at the way the two sides have set themselves up today, let’s have a look at some of the entertaining duels bound to happen across the Coral Windows Stadium pitch.
PADDY MADDEN vs ANDREW DAVIESWith the Irishman in fantastic form with five goals in his last five games, today will prove a tough test for the Iron forward against a centre-half with a Premier League pedigree. Andrew Davies, formerly of Southampton, Middlesbrough and Stoke City, has played against some of the best players this country has seen, and is a stand out figure amongst the Bantams defence, standing at 6 foot 3” tall. He comes up against a player who has a real eye for goal at the moment in Madden, and this battle may be the difference between who comes away with the points this afternoon.
MARCUS WILLIAMS vs FILIPE MORAIS
Perhaps a surprise inclusion but we have on our hands two players who are playing impressively indeed at the moment. Williams has caught the eye on the left side of the Iron defence with some solid displays over the past few games, with his performance at Barnsley a particular highlight. Williams may have a tough afternoon on his hands with Bradford winger Filipe Morais. Morais has raised some eyebrows with his fantastic start to life with the Yorkshire club after joining in the summer on a short-term contract. Morais came through on Chelsea books, and the Portuguese midfielder has certainly got teams from higher up the Football League pyramid keeping close attention to his performances.
MIGUEL LLERA vs JONATHAN STEAD
Our FA Cup and League hero over the last week, Llera’s winning spot kick against Worcester and decisive goal against Crewe almost overshadowed his towering performances in the middle of the Iron back line. Llera overcame a nasty injury against Crewe to star for Scunthorpe at Barnsley and also in the more recent games, and his influence in the team has been key. It will be a very physical battle for the Spaniard today though, who comes up against another former Premier League player in Jon Stead. Stead, formerly of Sunderland and Blackburn Rovers, is a tall but strong centre forward, which is likely to fuel an intense battle at the Coral Windows Stadium. Stead has notched four goals in total, but his hold up play is amongst his strengths.