Bradford V Rochdale at Coral Windows Stadium : Match Preview

28 December 2012 15:01
Bradford V Rochdale - view commentary, squad, and statistics of the game live.


Parkinson with striker problems

Bradford have doubts over strike duo Zavon Hines and Nahki Wells ahead of Rochdale's visit to the Coral Windows Stadium.

Ex-Burnley striker Hines had to come off during the 2-1 victory over Accrington on Boxing Day after he was poked in the eye.

He was replaced on the stroke of half time by Wells, who only made the substitutes' bench due to an illness.

Bantams boss Phil Parkinson conceded the club's top scorer was introduced earlier than he wanted and it was, therefore, no surprise to see him replaced by Alan Connell, who ultimately scored the winner.

Parkinson's men have an impressive record at home, having won eight of their 12 clashes, while they have conceded just seven goals.

However, defenders Carl McHugh and Curtis Good, who missed the Stanley victory, could be absent again.

Good, like Wells, is troubled by illness, while McHugh is rated as extremely doubtful due to a calf strain.

Terry Gornell returns from suspension for visitors Rochdale.

The on-loan Shrewsbury forward has missed the last three games after being dismissed in the 3-2 defeat to Exeter on December 8.

Dale have lost two of those and have suffered defeat in five of their last six league matches.

Gornell's availability could put some pressure on Bobby Grant, who has deputised in the Shrews forward's absence and scored two goals in the process.

Midfielder Reece Gray is continuing his rehabilitation from a serious leg injury but will not feature until the new year.

John Coleman's men have slipped into the bottom half of the table but they are only three points behind seventh-placed Fleetwood.




Source: PA