City’s defence has been rock-solid this season, with five clean sheets from seven league games, but first-choice keeper Jon McCracken is away with Scotland and regular wing-backs Josh Neufville (hamstring) and Ibou Touray (international) are both missing.
Add in the fact that the Bantams have just lost Graham Alexander to Preston, and Reading might feel this is the perfect time to get at their visitors.
And getting at the opposition is something they have been doing a good job of, as League One’s second most prolific side, with 16 goals in just seven games so far.
Former Derby forward Jack Marriott is absolutely flying and is comfortably the division’s top scorer, having netted eight times so far, with a goal every 65 minutes on average.
He is the obvious dangerman tomorrow, though he may be subject to a late fitness test after coming off last time out against Wycombe.
Someone who definitely won’t feature is another attacking talent, George Earthy, who is set for a few weeks out with a foot injury.
On a brighter note for Reading, Kyreece Lisbie’s four assists have him joint-top of the League One charts with Ewan Henderson (Wycombe) and Lewis Bate (Stockport).
Midfielder Andy Rinomhota is back from international duty, while the defence has shored up nicely since conceding four on the opening day of the season to Luton.
That backline is marshalled by a familiar face too, centre back Paudie O’Connor spending three-and-a-half years with City.
Paudie O’Connor challenging Tyreik Wright for the ball while playing for Reading at Valley Parade last season. (Image: Thomas Gadd)
Leam Richardson has been in charge since last year, having forged his reputation as a manager by turning Wigan around and getting them promoted in 2022.
He has rebuilt nicely after a difficult spell at Rotherham, to the point where he has been one of the names linked with the vacant managerial role at the Bantams.
That might add some spice to tomorrow’s game, which could end up being an audition of sorts.
Whether that is the case or not, Richardson would not be thinking that way of course.
He will instead be hoping to repeat the heist Reading pulled off in February, when last-gasp goals from Paddy Lane and Matt Ritchie saw them complete a remarkable 2-1 comeback win over City.