CITY will be wary about history repeating itself at the Bescot Stadium this weekend.

Walsall go into the reunion between two of the relegated clubs having scored just once in their last six games.

It is a drought that has alarmed boss Darrell Clarke as his side have slipped to 21st in the League Two table.

But anyone thinking this is a good time to be facing the Saddlers only has to recall the last infamous meeting in February.

A 3-2 loss against a Walsall side who had their centre forward sent off in the first six minutes proved to be the final straw for David Hopkin, who quit City in the aftermath.

And remember the home team had gone into that game on an equally sticky run as now after five straight defeats.

So, Gary Bowyer’s Bantams will be on their guard against wounded Walsall as Clarke, who took the helm in May, strives to find answers in front of goal.

Caolan Lavery’s effort in their last home game, a 3-1 loss to Grimsby, represents the only time Walsall have hit the net since August 13. They have only scored three in the league.

Clarke recruited his former Bristol Rovers striker Rory Gaffney at the end of the transfer window from Salford.

He is also hoping that the return to fitness of winger Rory Holden and midfielder Danny Guthrie can spark his team in attack.

But frontmen Josh Gordon, who scored twice in that win over City, and Elijah Adebayo are both yet to get off the mark.

Clarke admits his players need to find more belief going forward.

“We play backwards too often when the forward pass is the right thing to do,” he said.

“There is a little bit of indecision when to play it and when to move it quicker. We need to believe in ourselves a bit more and be braver on the ball.”

Defender Zak Jules said: “I think it’s going to take a lucky break for one of the lads. Then the goals will start flowing."