Bradford v Port Vale preview
Last Updated: September 28, 2012 3:01pm
Oliver: Should return for Bradford
Team news ahead of Saturday's League Two clash between Bradford and Port Vale at Valley Parade.
Bradford pair Jon McLaughlin and Luke Oliver both hope to return to the starting line-up.
Goalkeeper McLaughlin and defender Oliver were rested for the midweek Capital One Cup win over Burton due to minor injuries. Matt Duke stepped in for McLaughlin, while Stephen Darby, who came in for Oliver, struck City's extra-time winner.
Manager Phil Parkinson, who has no new injury or suspension problems, faces several selection dilemmas after making six changes in midweek.
Midfielder Ricky Ravenhill (knee) made his first appearance of the season, while winger Garry Thompson, midfielder Zavon Hines and striker Alan Connell all returned to the starting line-up.
Parkinson must now decide whether to recall the likes of James Hanson, fellow forward Nahki Wells and midfielder Kyel Reid who all started on the bench against Burton.
Midfielder Ritchie Jones (knee) is closing in on his first appearance of the season and could be included in the squad as the Bantams bid to extend their unbeaten league run to six matches.
Port Vale manager Micky Adams may make changes to his starting line-up for the first time since the opening day of the season.
Adams named the same side for the ninth match in a row last Saturday but saw his team lose their top-of-the-table clash at home to leaders Gillingham.
"When you lose games, it always opens the door for other people," said Adams.
With Adams hinting at changes, it was interesting to note that Ryan Burge, Ben Williamson and Rob Taylor were not included in the reserve-team squad that played Morecambe in midweek.
Gareth Owen did play in that game but he is another who will be pushing for a first-team chance against the Bantams.
Matches
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npower League 2
Table
npower League 2
| Pos | Team | P | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gillingham | 46 | 83 |
| 2 | Rotherham United | 46 | 79 |
| 3 | Port Vale | 46 | 78 |
| 4 | Burton Albion | 46 | 76 |
| 5 | Cheltenham Town | 46 | 75 |
| 6 | Northampton Town | 46 | 73 |
| 7 | Bradford City | 46 | 69 |
| 8 | Chesterfield | 46 | 67 |
| 9 | Oxford United | 46 | 65 |
| 10 | Exeter City | 46 | 64 |
| 11 | Southend United | 46 | 61 |
| 12 | Rochdale | 46 | 61 |
| 13 | Fleetwood Town | 46 | 60 |
| 14 | Bristol Rovers | 46 | 60 |
| 15 | Wycombe Wanderers | 46 | 60 |
| 16 | Morecambe | 46 | 58 |
| 17 | York City | 46 | 55 |
| 18 | Accrington Stanley | 46 | 54 |
| 19 | Torquay United | 46 | 53 |
| 20 | AFC Wimbledon | 46 | 53 |
| 21 | Plymouth Argyle | 46 | 52 |
| 22 | Dagenham & Redbridge | 46 | 51 |
| 23 | Barnet | 46 | 51 |
| 24 | Aldershot Town | 46 | 48 |
