Antoni Sarcevic will captain Bradford City on his return to former club Plymouth Argyle this Saturday. The Bantams, who currently sit first in League One, travel to Home Park for a league fixture on August 29, as reported by Plymouth Live.
Sarcevic recently signed a contract extension that commits him to Valley Parade until the summer of 2028. The midfielder has become a central figure for manager Graham, having played 74 games and scored 18 goals since joining the club in 2024. His return to Plymouth holds extra significance, as he was Argyle's Player of the Year in the Covid-shortened 2019/20 season, leaving after their points-per-game promotion from League Two.
How has Sarcevic's role changed at Bradford?
Last season, Sarcevic was primarily used as one of the attacking midfielders operating either side of a central striker. His role has shifted this campaign, with the player now deployed as a central midfielder. This change is part of a balanced midfield setup described as having one defender and one attacker forming the pair. His leadership will be key as Bradford City look to maintain their perfect start, having won both of their opening league matches against Sheffield Wednesday and Peterborough United without conceding a goal.
What is Bradford City's current form?
Graham's side are the early pacesetters in League One, holding a two-point lead over Huddersfield Town. They have six points from two games, with three goals scored and none conceded. This strong defensive record extends to the Carabao Cup, where they kept a clean sheet against Championship side Burnley in a 0-0 draw on Wednesday night before winning 4-2 on penalties to reach the third round. You can follow their progress in the standings and view their upcoming fixtures.
Which other former Argyle player is involved?
Defender Macaulay Gillesphey is another familiar face for Plymouth fans in the Bradford squad. The 30-year-old, who joined from Charlton Athletic this summer, was part of the Argyle squad that won the League One title with 101 points in the 2022/23 season. He has started all four of Bradford's matches this term and scored the opening goal in the 2-0 win over Peterborough on August 15. His experience adds to a squad full of players who know what it takes to succeed in this division.
What did the Argyle boss say about Bradford?
Plymouth head coach Tom Cleverley, who grew up in Bradford and was a season ticket holder at Valley Parade, acknowledged the challenge. "They are the early pacesetters but, more importantly, they are a consistent team, they are full of experience, they have been playing the same way for a long time now," Cleverley said. He also expressed a personal connection, adding, "I'm connected to the city and I'm pleased to see the football club doing well. It reminds me of ours."
Bradford City's promotion from League Two in 2024/25 was followed by a fourth-place finish last term, ending in play-off semi-final defeat to Bolton Wanderers. The club's current form suggests they are determined to go one better. With key players like Sarcevic secured on long-term deals and integrating new signings like Gillesphey, the foundation is strong. The immediate focus is the trip to a Plymouth side sitting 22nd, but the broader aim is sustaining a title challenge, with detailed player contributions available on our stats page.
