The Big Preview: MK Dons vs Bradford City

Article by Tim Feather

Bradford City make the trip to Milton Keynes after an impressive 3-3 draw with Coventry City. The draw on Sunday has felt more like a win after coming back from two goals in the opening seven minutes. MK Dons however, haven’t had such a busy period as this is their first game since the FA Cup games two weeks ago because of international call ups last week.

Bradford will look to try and amend the last away game against Rotherham where they were defeated 3-0. Bradford need to start games a lot quicker and come out of the blocks firing and hopefully we will see that this week. However, it isn’t going to be an easy trip to the League One power house, MK Dons. They have won four league games in a row and Dons manager Karl Robinson believes his players are “chomping at the bit” to play. This shows the intention of Robinson’s men, they will look to try and get an early goal. Should an early goal for Dons happen, Bradford will hope to show the infamous spirit that everybody is starting to know.

Bantams Assistant Manager Steve Parkin has said City will not change the way they play and they will continue to “ruffle a few feathers,” despite criticism from Coventry boss Pressley after the 3-3 draw. Parkin told the Telegraph and Argus “We play to our strengths, whatever they may be. If that means for one game we’ll get it out the back and play, then we’ll do that.” Parkin was relishing the trip to Stadium Mk on Saturday, saying it’s a game City should, “hit head on. We’re playing all these teams who have been established in this division and MK Dons are another.”

Bradford City will be boasting a full strength squad, and a squad that will be buoyed by the 3-3 draw at Coventry. The lethal threat from James Hanson and Nahki Wells was put on show in front of the television cameras, and Wells’ first goals since returning from injury, will give him the confidence boost he needs. Rory McArdle had a tough game at centre back against Coventry making two mistakes which resulted in goals. However he showed how much mental confidence he has, by staying strong and he had a good game after that. The confidence of what can be achieved this season will have filtered throughout the whole team because of the last result. This confidence should not overlook the fact that Bradford have not won a game in over a month. They will have their hands full with MK Dons top scorer, Chelsea loanee, Patrick Bamford. He has scored an impressive twelve goals for the Dons and is a key player in their push for promotion.

Bradford lying in 8th position are still in a fantastic position in the league and feel they are in a healthy position. MK Dons are in 11th and after four straight wins in the league they will be looking to get into the play off mix like they have been for the past few seasons. If Bantams’ players, staff and fans are serious about a push for back to back promotion, this will be a good test to gage where City are at.

© e-Football 2013 All rights reserved no part of this document or this website may be reproduced without consent of e-Football