Bradford V Bristol Rovers at Coral Windows Stadium : Match Preview

08 April 2013 17:32
Bradford V Bristol Rovers - view commentary, squad, and statistics of the game live.


Bantams trio fit to face Rovers

Bradford trio Andrew Davies, Rory McArdle and James Hanson are all expected to be fit to face Bristol Rovers after shaking off knocks.

Defenders Davies and McArdle, plus striker Hanson have received treatment for minor bumps and bruises following Saturday's physical encounter against Northampton, but manager Phil Parkinson could name an unchanged starting line-up.

Parkinson has no major new injury or suspension problems, but must decide whether to utilise his squad as he prepares his side for a fourth game in the space of 12 days.

Winger Zavon Hines, midfielder Nathan Doyle, defenders Michael Nelson and Carl McHugh, plus goalkeeper Matt Duke are all pushing for recalls after starting on the bench in recent matches as Bradford bid to extend their unbeaten run to five matches.

The Bantams could climb into a play-off place with victory if Exeter lose at Rotherham.

Bristol Rovers remain without skipper Tom Parkes.

The Pirates have won six of their last eight games and are five points off a play-off place, and three behind the Bantams, with four games left to play.

But John Ward's men will go into pivotal encounter without their captain as Parkes serves the second game of his two-match ban after accumulating 10 yellow cards during the campaign.

Loanee Clayton McDonald was handed a full debut in Parkes' place on Saturday as Rovers beat AFC Wimbledon 1-0, and is expected to continue in defence.

Winger Ellis Harrison was withdrawn at the weekend after suffering a dead leg but is expected to shake off the knock to keep his place in the starting XI.








Source: PA