The Voice - Match preview #44: Bradford City vs Plymouth Argyle Tuesday 21st April 2026 7:45pm

So who do we complain to in an attempt to get them turned off for night games? You’re right, it’s impossible to see what’s going on at the Bradford End from the Kop.

 

just saying who scored

 

Agree his form over the past 4-5 games hasn’t been great, but that’s versus the very high standards set himself as young player. It’s not a dissimilar discussion had about Bobby many a time.

What Metcalfe is incredible at for a young player is recycling possession, winning the ball back and finding a good quick pass to keep the ball moving. I do wonder if he is suffering from a lack of outlet since Bobby, Sarce and Tyriek aren’t on the pitch? What feels more evident is he’s stopped doing the basics well, which he typically masters. Hopefully nothing more than a bit of refocussing and he’ll be good.

Still hands down one of the best young players we’ve had at the club for many many years - a few off games changes nothing on that front.

 

I think clubs are targeting him knowing that he'll cough up possession if they press in pairs. He needs to move the ball on quicker, or take the risks further up the pitch. There's been 4 or 5 occasions that I can remember where he's lost possession and suddenly it's 3 on 2. I like Metcalf and he's been really good for the most part. Let's hope he can get back to that pre transfer window form that brought attention from other clubs.

 

Spot on . The Bobby anology works well Olly .

 

If you look back since December, i've been asking where lapslie is.

And I agree, vindication is here. The lad deserves his chance. He scored 4 goals and was direcly involved in 9 in total last season in 16 games. Which is a great stat.

 

Here, here!

 

What has become noticeable in his last few games is how often he is turning backwards to find a pass, the lack of these outlets can't help, and it also happens with players when confidence is low and they look for safe options.

 

He'll run all day and won't ever let you down but he definitely doesn't have the required quality to be a consistent top end of league one player.

And let's be honest, I'm the first half on Tuesday he gave the ball away more than anyone and despite the deserved motm award he was certainly aided in that by multiple poor performances from his team mates.

 

We wont see him again this season if Sarc and Bobby are back, more so if Tyriek is.

Im still waiting for Kelly to pop into that back 5 at some point though.

 

For me Lapslies main attribute is his ability to get on the end of stuff in the box - something we desperately need with Bobby and / or Sarce out. Someone suggested earlier he could play the Metcalfe role, although I'm not sure he has the discipline with his eagerness to get into the opposition area at every opportunity

 

I dont think he is good enough on the ball in all honesty - agree with him been a bit of a goal threat though.

Id like to find him a place in the 18 but its tough with Powell back, Sarc/Bobby/Tyriek set to return. Happily give him Wheatlys shirt though!!!

bench for me should be GK, CB, WB, CM, AM, AM, ST

 

I sort of agree, although Metcalfe hasn't been that good on the ball lately. Lapslie wasn't match sharp so could improve. I have a feeling Tyreik is done for the season and Bobby maybe only 50/50. Hope I'm wrong, but even with all fit there's a place for Lapslie, at least on the bench. It is mystifying why in a team desperately short of goals he hasn't featured more, even if only on the bench.

 

Tyriek is training, just none contact for now. I think we see him in the play offs should we qualify.

 

Lapslie deserves that starting birth on Saturday
He was the best player for us on Tuesday, so deserves another go
If Sarce is on the bench, then great, even better if Bobby is back as well
Considering our three best attacking threats were out we did ok, had the ball in the net twice and two cleared off the line.
I feared the worst, but we kept them at arms length. Didnt think Plymouth looked up to much on the night though, which surprised me knowing they needed the win.

 

I would 100 percent play Lapslie ahead of Metcalfe for these last two regular games, or probably stick with the 3 in the middle that we finished up against Plymouth with for the Bolton one.

Absolutely no reason to drop him for anyone struggling with fitness.

 

Lapslie gives you unrelenting workrate and that's what Alexanders tactics are built on.

 

Which makes it even more strange why hes struggled to even make the bench for most of the season.

 

I think an aim of the January business, certainly on the midfield area, was largely an attempt to bring in players who are better on the ball, but it hasn't really worked out.

 

It's strange.

I'm guessing GA sees him as less reliable on the ball compared to Metcalfe/Power, though Jenson in particular is looking a bit jaded right now.

Then he's not quite the goal threat of Pointon/Sarc.

But you'd have thought he'd be the perfect candidate for a bench spot, particularly with the versatility.