Bradford City currently sit top of League One after a semi-final defeat to Bolton Wanderers in the play-offs last season saw an end to an otherwise triumphant return to third tier football – but could the international break harm the West Yorkshire side’s aim to go one better this season?
The Bantams’ 2026/27 league campaign started off strong, with an opening 2-0 victory at home against Peterborough United.
They followed that up with a gritty, hard-fought 1-0 win away at Hillsborough against a rejuvenated Sheffield Wednesday, who are also aiming for a strong season after a volatile period in the Championship.
The club have continued their efforts in all competitions, beating off Championship side Burnley and then League One rivals Leyton Orient on the way to a round four tie against Peterborough United in the Carabao Cup.
Case for the defence
Bradford City are 11/2 with most bookmakers in the League One outright market, and have boasted the best defensive record in League One so far.
They have conceded the least goals per game as well as being joint-top in clean sheets, conceding in only two league games so far, both of which resulted in a loss.
Naturally the defensive unit has come in for plenty of praise from fans, most notably the exciting signing of young Scotsman Jon McCracken between the sticks.
The 26-year-old goalkeeper signed from Dundee FC in the summer and has been rewarded for his excellent form with a call-up to the Scotland side ahead of their Nations League matches.
Bradford City also signed Cameron Dawson this summer, with the keeper playing a second-choice role this season.
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International call-ups
Pair that with an Iraq U23 call-up for youth product goalie Zac Hadi, and the club are only left with one keeper for the international period.
Also being called up is starting left wing-back Ibou Touray, who was instrumental in City’s victory at Hillsborough.
Praised for his defensive consistency throughout his past year at Valley Parade, he has seen a well-deserved call to represent The Gambia.
Filling in for Touray in cup fixtures has been summer recruit Corey O’Keeffe, who has had a solid start in claret and amber since his deadline day arrival.
Due to league rulings, Hadi’s departure does not count towards the club’s required number of three absentees necessary to call off matches themselves.
What should have been their next home tie against Barnsley has been called off by the visitors.
But they could be stuck with a weakened side against their next opponents Reading, who have opted not to call off their upcoming games in an attempt to avoid fixture congestion.
Squad game
Reading head coach Leam Richardson said: “Football is a squad game and we have confidence in the players available to us, while keeping the fixture in place also helps us avoid adding another game to an otherwise busy schedule.”
Dawson did make an appearance in Tuesday’s Jersey Mike’s Trophy fixture against Newcastle U21s, but has still had limited playing time so far this campaign.
Pair that with the loss of first-XI regular Touray and there’s a big test ahead.
Currently eighth-place opponents Reading will likely approach the match with confidence, after winning the equivalent fixture last campaign.
Club star Jack Marriott has hit the ground running already, with the league’s top scorer netting eight in six league starts.
The Royals’ star man will surely be eyeing up the opportunity to play against what could be an unsteady defence.
Beesley yet to open account
Adding to the concern is Bradford’s struggle to score in numbers this year, with new striker Jake Beesley yet to score his first goal for the club, and the side sitting 20th in the table for goals scored per match.
Their attacking woes may well be highlighted against a Reading side with a strong attack and a defence that’s still very strong compared to most of the division, particularly with some key men out of the side.
Regardless, Bradford City coach Graham Alexander will remain confident in his team when they make the trip to Berkshire for their next fixture.
But it will certainly be an opportunity that Reading will not pass on, and the quality in the team makes the win look more than possible against the current leaders.
By Charlie Gardner
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