The Voice - Match preview Stockport County vs Bradford City Tuesday 15th August 2023 7:45pm

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EFL LEAGUE TWO FIXTURE #2

Tuesday 15th August 2023 19:45
Stockport County vs Bradford City
Edgeley Park

22/23 Results:

08 Oct 2022: Bradford City 0 – 1 Stockport County
24 Jan 2023: Stockport County 0 – 0 Bradford City

Head-to-Head Form:

Won: 36
Drawn: 28
Lost: 50

Biggest Margin of Victory:

18 Sep 1965: Bradford City 1 – 7 Colchester United

Current Form:

Bradford City: LDW
Stockport County: LDL

STOCKPORT COUNTY

Sometimes, performances don't equal results.

For Stockport County, that has been true for their first 3 games of the 23/24 season. Boasting greater possession and shots on and off target in both their league games has resulted in 0 points. Conceding all 3 of those statistics in the EFL Cup tie at Sheffield Wednesday, however, very nearly resulted in their first win of the season – only for a 90th minute equaliser from Tyreeq Bakinson to send the tie to a penalty shoot-out, which the Greater Manchester side lost to their South Yorkshire rivals 4-1.

But when performances are there, even when not getting the reward they might deserve on paper, there is always cause for optimism. Stockport County started the season with a tough home tie against fellow promotion fanciers Gillingham, but were ultimately left frustrated by wayward finishing that saw just 3 of 17 attempts find the target. 0 goals resulted from all those efforts, or the 57 % possession, or the 6:1 corner count in their favour, once again outlining football can be a harsh sport that cares only about one stat: goals.

Robbie McKenzie's 86th minute strike consigned Stockport to an opening day defeat that belied their high press and bombardment of the Gills goal. Stockport forced good saves, hit the woodwork, and at times suffocated Gillingham deep within their own half, only to see Gillingham complete a smash-and-grab courtesy of one of the scruffiest goals you'll see all season. A low free kick from out wide bounced off the Stockport County wall, was then missed by a fresh air attempt from one of Gillingham's attackers, before bouncing to McKenzie to slot home from the edge of the six yard box.

Still, County had enough time to tease the home fans by sticking the ball in the net, only for Paddy Madden to see his opening day effort chalked off for offside.

At Walsall, then, Stockport had hopes of putting things right, and dominated possession to a tune of 66 % despite being away from home. They managed twice as many shots on goal, but again just 3 on target out of a total of 18 attempts. When they went behind on the 24th minute to a Danny Johnson goal, it was largely down to an individual error from young full back Ethan Pye, and a very poor defensive formation that allowed a simple low cross to be converted by Walsall's reliable hitman who joined on a permanent transfer from Mansfield Town in the Summer. After that, Stockport peppered the Walsall box with crosses, and managed several efforts narrowly off target.

Sadly for the Hatters, Stockport would be taught a lesson in finishing by ex-Bantams striker Aramide Oteh on the 79th minute, and the resulting 2-0 lead proved insurmountable despite substitute Ryan Rydel finally finding the net for County on 90+7. Walsall managed just 2 shots on goal all game, but with both registering on the scoresheet, Stockport were sent packing with another promising display netting another 0 point haul.

Stockport County, the loser's of last season's EFL League Two play off final against Carlisle United, now find themselves with just 1 win in 7 league and cup games spanning the 22/23 and 23/24 season, and might be accused of nursing a hangover from last season's disappointing critical penalty shoot out defeat. That said, Stockport have made a few choice adjustments to their starting line up this season, with players like Louie Barry on loan from Aston Villa looking particularly promising early. Big things are expected from Nick Powell, an eye-catching signing from Stoke City, while mobile wing back Ibou Touray looks a fine acquisition from rivals Salford City. Stalwart striker Paddy Madden got off the mark against Sheffield Wednesday in the EFL Cup, but has yet to find the mark in league action – yet. That's a story replicated across a very creative midfield including stand outs like Will Collar and Antoni Sarcevic, all of whom possess a very serious threat on any given match day.



Stockport County 0 – 1 Gillingham



Walsall 2 – 1 Stockport County

BRADFORD CITY

Bradford City confined the disappointment of defeat on the opening day of the EFL League Two season at relegation favourites Crawley Town to the past by first knocking Accrington Stanley out of the EFL Cup on penalties, and then besting that performance with a 2-1 home win over Colchester United at Valley Parade. Slow and steady improvement, then, for a new-look Bantams side adopting three at the back, wing backs, and a new, more mobile set of support players around star striker Andy Cook.

Alex Pattison, the Summer capture from Harrogate Town on a free transfer, has had the most exciting introduction to City fans with 2 goals in 2 games. His first, the opener at Accrington Stanley, came as a result of latching on to a flick on from Andy Cook – his second, the winner at home to Colchester, came after a neat flick from Clarke Oduor played him in for a quick break and sumptuous finish from the edge of the area. Fantastic stuff from the attacking midfielder who will quickly become a fan favourite if he can join Andy Cook as a regular on the score sheet throughout the season.

That said, Andy Cook himself is yet to get off the mark, despite having several opportunities to do so in the Colchester home game. That he has been involved in 2 of City's 3 goals this season, however, is a reasonable consolation for fans who care more about the team scoring than any 1 individual. In a similar fashion to his assist for Pattison at Accrington, Cook again flicked on a long ball from Harry Lewis to set substitute forward Tyler Smith away down the left flank, and his cross-shot from a wide angle was parried straight to Clarke Oduor, who gratefully headed home from a matter of yards.

The best, though, is yet to come from Cook, who showed he was sharp enough to get into good positions, but not quite firing on full cylinders in front of goal. It will come, as they say.

One negative for Bradford City came in the form of an injury to attacking midfielder Jamie Walker, who limped off after just 28 minutes – but given how effective Tyler Smith inserted himself into the fray, Bantams fans might be looking forward to seeing him again at Edgeley Park on Tuesday night!

Alex Gilliead slotted in at left wing back very nicely, and made a marauding run through the middle at one point that showed his ability to carry the ball out from the back – something City have lacked with the more defensive-minded Liam Ridehalgh in the same position. Clarke Oduor continues to impress, and his goal and assist will give him confidence going into a tough spell of games that not only includes promotion rivals Stockport County, but also Derek Adams-managed Morecambe and, later, Wrexham and Mansfield Town.

Having a cutting edge will be crucial, but it does feel like Bradford City might just have enough. A much faster, fitter attacking midfield area has been causing problems for opposition defences in the early days of the season, and if City can cut out errors like the Harry Lewis howler that gifted Colchester the lead on Saturday, more the better for it.

With the first sighting of Kevin McDonald off the bench with 10 minutes to go (19 including added time), Bradford look to have a second defensive midfielder with a brain for breaking up opposition play and asserting himself physically. If the right balance can be achieved with all these new faces, Bradford City might just have a midfield to make other sides envious.



Crawley Town 1 - 0 Bradford City



Bradford City 2 - 1 Colchester United

 

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THE BREAKDOWN

Stockport County: 3/4
Draw: 13/5
Bradford City: 4/1

While a big response from Stockport County isn't out of the question, odds of 4 to 1 on a Bradford City victory on Tuesday night look extremely generous. That said, Stockport County aren't playing badly, and we can expect things to click sooner or later. There is no question of the quality available to the Hatters, who have a pacey and attack-minded midfield themselves – and a centre forward in Paddy Madden every bit as useful as Andy Cook in all-round terms.

What happens on Tuesday night will be subject to two good League Two sides looking to make a statement. Stockport will certainly not want to continue haemorrhaging points, while Bradford City will want to make the most of a surprisingly shaky start for their opponents. If The Bantams can start strongly, they may yet be able to make the most of any lingering doubts and insecurities in the minds of Dave Challinor's men following heartbreak on the final day of last season.

Challinor, though, has invested well in his first XI, and will certainly be expecting big things from marquee signing Nick Powell. It might be too soon for Kevin McDonald to step in from the start, but Richie Smallwood will certainly be tasked with ensuring he cannot inflict too much damage.

Expect this to be an expansive game with both sides looking to use pacey counter attacks and breakaways, as well as periods of neat passing play, to try unlock the opposing defences. Whichever side is more clinical will likely win out in the end, and at the moment, the early signs are that could be Bradford City...

But Edgeley Park isn't a happy hunting ground for the Bantams, with no wins in their last 3 visits, and just 1 in their last 5. Last season's visit proved to be a drab affair, with possession shared an even 50-50 and with both sides managing just 1 effort on target – and given Stockport's start, and their profligacy in front of goal, a repeat of that isn't beyond the realms of possibility. That said, the Bradford City side fielded by Mark Hughes at Stockport County last season was far from the strongest of the season: Dara Costelloe partnered Vadaine Oliver up front, with Abo Eisa the chosen attacker from midfield. Tolaji Bola also made an unmemorable debut at left back.

This season, City look much more likely to field a stronger XI, even without the same numbers in terms of defensive midfield – Hughes was able to name all of Smallwood, Clayton and Gilliead, a tactic that probably won't be available this time around. To shut Stockport County down this season might mean going on the attack more – in which case, we can expect a highly competitive game where Stockport continue looking for quantity of efforts on goal, while City search for more precise openings. Not one to just knock aimless balls into the box, this Bradford City side will look for incisive counter attacks and hope to catch Stockport sleeping – which Walsall were able to do last time out.

While a City away win feels a bit optimistic given all of the circumstances, it's important Bradford don't show Stockport too much respect, or allow them any easy opportunity to kick start their season. City must pressure Stockport just as intensely as Stockport will try to pin City back with their own high press.

A draw looks a likely outcome here – with both sides capable of heart-breaking last minute equalisers... while a high scoring affair seems unlikely, both sides will be looking to impress, and nothing is off the table with the amount of talent on display.

PREDICTION:

Stockport County 1 – 1 Bradford City