Despite spending a prolonged period in the fourth tier, expectation remains high at Bradford given their outstanding end to the last campaign.

Graham Alexander's side had been on a 10-match unbeaten run in League Two until they suffered a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Grimsby Town in their most recent league game.

With their only other setbacks in 2024-25 coming in cup competitions where they have suffered penalty-shootout defeats, Alexander will hope that the defeat was a mere blip.

However, aside from a goalless draw at home to Salford City, Bradford have scored and conceded in the other five matches in all competitions.

Bradford last suffered a loss in normal time at Valley Parade back in March, highlighting the size of the task awaiting Carlisle this weekend.

Their opponents have made the decision to part ways with Paul Simpson, a consequence of losing three of their first four league matches.

Having played two of the current top three, and beating one of them in Barrow, it appears to be a harsh decision so early in the season.

Nevertheless, Carlisle are struggling for momentum after their dismal relegation campaign in League One, the idea now being that a fresh start is a must.

Steven Rudd has been placed in caretaker charge for the time being, already overseeing a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Nottingham Forest Under-21s in midweek.