'Very difficult to call' Bradford City vs Walsall: The inside track

1. What has been the key to Bradford's recent strong run which has propelled them to within reach of the play-offs? 

It has become fairly clear in recent weeks that the return of injured duo Antoni Sarcevic and Alex Pattison to Bradford City's midfield has directly correlated with their upturn in form. 

Not only have the two brought experience to the squad, but their quality and energy is undeniable. Graham Alexander has also tweaked the previous 3-5-2 formation to a more accommodating 3-4-3, leading to a boxlike midfield with central midfielders and attacking midfielder behind the now solitary striker. 

Since that change at Crewe before Christmas, Bradford City have lost just once.

2. How much of a blow has Cook's injury been and do you expect it to bite them for the remainder of the campaign?

Without question, Andy Cook's absence feels like a big blow. He was in fine goal-scoring form at the time of his season-ending ACL injury, with a record so far this season that was near parallel with his 31 goal tally of two season's prior. 

A talismanic figure for the football club, he's been the main goal-scoring threat since arriving in January 2021. There is no doubt Graham Alexander's side will miss him. 

That being said, the initial blow has been somewhat softened of late. Bradford City's style has been forced to change in Cook's absence and whether conscious or not, Bradford City are keeping the ball on the floor a shade more, so far to good affect. They're certainly adapting to life post-Cook. 

3. Without Cook, who is Bradford's main danger man? 

The goal-scoring responsibility is now being shared across the squad, in Cook's absence. Calum Kavanagh has certainly stepped up in recent weeks with two goals in his last two games. 

However, Alex Pattison's performances since his return from injury have been seriously influential. His energy in midfield has been infectious, both in defence and attack. 

I suspect he would rival Jamie Jellis as League Two's best midfielder this season, which I appreciate is a bold claim given how much of the season Pattison has missed!

4. How much of a threat are Bradford at Valley Parade - with the joint-second best home record in the division?

Certainly this season, the home form has been impressive. It's not often Bradford City has been able to boast such a claim in recent years, in fact it's the away form that has often propped up any credible play-off push. 

Graham Alexander identified the home form as a point for improvement upon his arrival in November 2023, fast forward 14 months and he's certainly found a way to harness the big crowd atmosphere that is consistent at Valley Parade, particularly in League Two. 

Bradford City's front-footed, high press, intense out of possession style has become infectious with the home support and the two have worked in tandem. 

It may be too early to laud it as a fortress, but it definitely has fortress-like foundations this season. 

5. Any news on the injury front?

Other than the obvious Andy Cook omission, Bradford City don't have many other injury concerns. Vadaine Oliver missed their last game at Carlisle with a knock, while Paul Huntington returned to training this week following a muscle strain.

6. Prediction?

Very difficult to call, because Walsall have been incredibly impressive this season. I would go with a 1-1 draw. Bradford City haven't conceded many at home, and I can envisage it being quite a tight game. Knowing my predictions, it will end up being a seven goal thriller!