Following Bradford City’s last-gasp promotion to EFL League One. They have commenced their summer business with intent by signing eight players so far this transfer window.
Therefore, I am going to be listing a starting 11 we could see the Bantams lineup with throughout the 25/26 season. In a 3-4-2-1 formation, as expected. However, this may change throughout the upcoming campaign.
GK – Sam Walker
Walker had a fantastic season last season at the Bantams, with him being crucial on a number of occasions. To support his side being automatically promoted to the EFL League One.
This judgement comes from him keeping 16 clean sheets and a brilliant distribution with a 36.1% long ball accuracy.
The shot stopper has recently signed a new contract at the Valley Parade outfit. With this occurring and the 33-year-old impressed last season.
It is most likely that the League One experienced goalkeeper is going to be the Bantams’ number one next season.
LWB – Ibou Touray
Our chosen left-wing back is former Stockport County man Ibou Touray. Who impressed at the Hatters in the 24/25 season and contributed to them reaching the playoffs.
With his quick pace, an ability to cross, and a creative spark. It is clear why he is the Bantams’ starting Left wing back next season.
The 30-year-old who has worked under Alexander before picked up three assists last season. As well as this, he had a 25.7% crossing accuracy with him completing 38 successful crosses.
This will be useful, especially because Bradford’s gameplay heavily involves crossing.
LCB – Curtis Tilt
Our first Centre back is former EFL League One winner Curtis Tilt. Who captained Salford City last season, but they finished just outside the playoffs.
The 33-year-old who has played alongside Ibou Touray before. Completed 40 successful tackles last season and won 69.6% of his duels.
With his defensive skills, wealth of experience, and leadership qualities. It is clear why we think he holds a starting centre-back role.
Tilt’s qualities, especially his experience in the EFL League One, will help the Bantams consolidate next season.
CB – Joe Wright
Our second centre back and Kilmarnock’s 24/25 player of the year is in the form of Joe Wright.
The 30-year-old brings League One experience to the side, having made 108 appearances for Doncaster during his spell there.
As well as this, with 2 goals out of the 45 Kilmarnock scored last season. Wright brings an eye for goal, especially from set pieces, which is something Bradford missed in the 24/25 campaign.
The Englishman’s experience, goal-scoring threat, and defensive qualities earns himself a starting position in our opinion.
RCB – Matthew Pennington
The final centre back we have chosen to start is former Blackpool man Matthew Pennington. The 30-year-old struggled for game time last season, only playing 21 matches.
However, the Everton academy graduate still holds great defensive qualities with him successfully winning 18 tackles and having a 62.7% successful duel percentage.
As well as this, he holds a wealth of experience with him, making 157 appearances at Blackpool and Shrewsbury within EFL League One.
Overall, the defender’s experience gains him a spot in the back three, as his experience will be crucial for the Bantams this season.
RWB – Josh Neufville
The player who we think should take the right wing back spot is the playoff winner and Wimbledon’s player of the year, Josh Neufville.
The 24-year-old showed at Wimbledon that he can act in a direct attacking state and in a contributing role with him netting four times and assisting four times.
He also showed that he has strong defensive qualities with him successfully winning 45 tackles and 169 duels.
With his lightning-quick pace, attacking and defensive qualities, he earns the right wing back spot in our opinion because he holds what Alexander wants from a wing back.
CM – Max Power
Our first central midfielder is a previous League One winner and has played with Curtis Tilt before. He comes in the form of Max Power.
The 31-year-old is back in the EFL after his spell in Denmark, where he struggled for game time.
However, the former Wigan man will receive plenty of game time this season as he is a replacement for departing Smallwood.
So, with his leadership and lots of experience, we feel he is one of the first names on the team sheet.
CM – Alex Pattison
The second midfielder who struggled with injuries last season is in the form of Alex Pattison.
However, from midfield he was able to contribute in a direct attacking state and in a contributing role with him netting seven times and assisting three.
Which was important last season, especially with Andy Cook, the main goal scorer, out injured.
With the 27-year-olds’ attacking qualities from midfield, he earns a position alongside Max Power, in our opinion, as they will complement each other well, as Power is more defensive than Pattison.
LAM – Stephen Humphrys
Our first attacking midfielder that we have picked is Stephen Humphrys. Who played his football at Barnsley last season.
The former Wigan man netted nine times last season and contributed with two assists.
The EFL League One winner will bring much needed firepower and experience to the side as well as versatility, as he can play as a winger or a striker, which will be crucial in League One. This is why we think he deserves to have an attacking midfield spot.
RAM – Antoni Sarcevic
Our penultimate player in the starting line-up and final attacking midfielder is promotion king Antoni Sarcevic.
Last season at the Bantams, he netted seven times and picked up four assists. This was crucial for Bradford being automatically promoted.
We think he deserves to be one of the first names on the team sheet next season with his wealth of experience in EFL League One and his direct attacking state.
As it will be an important factor in Bradford having success next season.
ST – Will Swan
Our final player in the lineup is former Crawley Town and Mansfield man Will Swan.
The striker netted seven times and picked up three assists last season in a struggling Crawley side.
He will bring firepower and a direct attacking state to the side. Which will be useful as Bradford City’s main focal point of their attack, Andy Cook, is not going to be recovered in time from his ACL injury for the start of the season.
We think he earns himself a place in the side as he is a proven goal scorer and Bradford needs an increased amount of goals in EFL League One.
Bench
In the upcoming EFL League One season, the Bantams will need a strong bench in order to change a game if needed.
They will need impact subs if they are trailing and solid substitutions if defending a lead.
Our ideal bench will be made up of:
- GK- Joe Hilton
- CB- Ciaran Kelly
- RWB- Brad Halliday
- CAM- Bobby Pointon
- CM- Tommy Leigh
- ST- Calum Kavanagh
Do You Agree With Our Bradford City Lineup?
Let us know in the comments below if you agree with our picks, if not let us know who you will start instead
