Ahead of Saturday's trip to Bradford City, we spoke to Simon Parker, Chief Sports Writer of the Bradford Telegraph & Argus to get the lowdown on all things Bantams...
- First of all, how is Kurtis Guthrie getting on following his January arrival at Bradford?
"It was a difficult start for Kurtis who came in right on the deadline – and then saw the manager who had signed him, Gary Bowyer, leave a couple of days later. The striker featured only briefly under Stuart McCall and then got a knee injury which ruled him out before the season was shut down.
"There was some uncertainty about his situation but after some heart-to-heart talking with McCall over the summer, he has come back determined to make his mark with City. Guthrie is still waiting to score his first goal for the club but has started four of the first five games – more than any other player in the squad."
- How would you summarise Bradford’s start to the season?
"It’s been a fairly solid start as teams still adapt to getting back from such a long lay-off. City have kicked off their League Two campaign with two draws, although they were denied what appeared a perfectly good goal against Colchester on a very tight offside goal and were then pegged back in the 96th minute at Forest Green last week.
"They played almost half an hour of that with nine men but battled on against a home bombardment, showing the strength of character that McCall is demanding. City had an excellent win at Bolton in the Carabao Cup first round – only to crash out following an awful first half at home to Lincoln."
- Has the start to the season changed expectations with the supporters about how the season might pan out?
"I don’t think so. The style of football is likely to be a lot easier on the eye than the more functional approach with Bowyer which will go down well. But there has been a concern about a possible lack of goals – which was an issue last season. James Vaughan’s departure for Tranmere at the start of pre-season robbed City of their top scorer and McCall is still chasing a replacement.
"The three strikers in the squad are all similar in their approach and he is looking for someone a bit different with some pace. For now, scoring remains the biggest question mark against this team."
- Who is the one Bradford player to watch out for Saturday’s game?
"It is early days but Elliot Watt is already looking an astute signing from Wolves. The midfielder gained some League Two experience last season after joining Carlisle on loan in January and has settled quickly.
"He likes to get on the ball and dictate play and has a good range of passing. Watt is also very effective with corners and set-pieces as he has shown. His goal at Forest Green last week was a great example with a wicked ball from near the touchline which totally caught out the home defence."
- Finally, what is your score prediction?
"City did the double over Stevenage last season – the only one they managed – and will be targeting a first league win.
"Stevenage are obviously very different from the team that struggled so much previously and have started well. So, I expect it to be an open game but City just to shade it 2-1."
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