Cameron Dawson will make his Bradford City debut in goal as the Bantams begin their EFL Trophy campaign with a rotated side against Newcastle under-21s. Manager Graham Alexander confirmed a number of changes for the group game at Valley Parade but stressed the team's commitment to winning remains absolute.
Alexander's side, who sit first in the standings with 15 points from seven games, are looking to build on a perfect five-match winning run. That streak includes a 2-1 victory over Newcastle's youngsters just days ago, with Nick Powell scoring a second-half brace to secure the three points. The manager said the physical toll of three consecutive away trips, including a Carabao Cup win at Leyton Orient and a league victory at Luton, necessitates some rotation.
Josh Neufville came off at Kenilworth Road with a tight hamstring and Aden Baldwin was suffering with cramp, making their involvement doubtful. Alexander is expected to hand opportunities to the likes of defenders Matty Welch and Macaulay Gillesphey, midfielder George Lapslie, and forward Luke Swan. The possible lineup also includes Harry Cartwright, Tyreik Morgan, Corey O’Keeffe, Kian Phillips, and Stephen Humphrys, as the manager assesses his full squad.
Alexander's winning demand
Despite the changes, the manager has demanded no drop in intensity. "It's important that we don't mentally just drop off," Alexander said. "We’ve got another game that we want to win."
He added that the club's preparation for players, including recovery from travel, is thorough. "There 100 per cent can't be a change in our mental preparation for players and staff," Alexander stated. "We have to know how to recover."
The group, which also includes Rotherham, began with Newcastle under-21s winning 3-1 at York. Victory for City would put them in a strong early position as they aim to progress. Focus then quickly returns to the league, where the Bantams host Barnsley this Saturday in their next fixtures challenge.
More detail at Telegraph and Argus
