Pompey's clash at Bradford unlikely to be one for purists

Jamal Lowe in action against Bradford at Fratton Park earlier this season. Picture: Joe Pepler

If the ‘Beast from the East does not see off the fixture first, the two clubs will arrive with some of the worst form in English football’s top four divisions.

Promising starts to the season for both the Blues and the Bantams have made way for a miserable run of results since the turn of the year.

Following their 3-1 defeat of Northampton Town on December 30, Pompey moved into the final play-off spot.

Meanwhile, Bradford were one place higher having beaten Oxford United.

However, the pair have endured a difficult 2018 so far.

In their past 10 games, Kenny Jackett’s side have collected just eight points from a possible 30 – delivering two wins, two draws and losing six games.

That puts them 20th in the League One form table – and a worrying 80th out of the 92 clubs across English football’s top four divisions.

Bradford have an identical record in the same time frame, although they have a worse goal-difference than Pompey which leaves them 21st and 81st in the same standings.

Following six straight defeats, the Bantams sacked Stuart McCall on February 5.

Simon Grayson has taken over at Valley Parade but the new boss’ arrival has yet to bear fruit.

Following his appointment, Bradford have drawn with Charlton and fallen to a 1-0 defeat at Plymouth Argyle on Saturday.

Such poor form means a play-off spot looks a tall order for both clubs – unless they produce a remarkable run of results in the remainder of the campaign.

Following Peterborough’s win over Walsall on Tuesday night, Pompey dropped to 10th position on 49 points, while Bradford fell to ninth on 50 points.

Of their League One rivals, only Fleetwood (84th), MK Dons (88th) and Rochdale (89th) have struggled more than Jackett’s troops and the Bantams in the past 10 matches.

League Two side Grimsby have the worst record in the Football League after picking up just two points from a possible 30.

Despite being seventh in the Premier League, Burnley have collected only five points in their past 10 games.

Back in October, Pompey were the victims of a smash-and-grab raid as Bradford pinched a 1-0 success at Fratton Park. It was a third straight defeat for the Blues.