Bradford v Exeter preview
Last Updated: November 16, 2012 11:35am
Darby: Doubtful for Bantams
Team news ahead of Saturday's League Two clash between Bradford and Exeter at Valley Parade.
The Bantams could be without James Meredith, Zavon Hines and Stephen Darby as injuries begin to take their toll at the west Yorkshire club.
Full-back Meredith (hip) and winger Hines (ankle) are serious doubts and may both require scans to determine the full extent of their injuries, while defender Darby is struggling with a groin problem and could undergo a late fitness test.
Manager Phil Parkinson will be able to call on loanees Craig Forsyth and John Egan, though, as his fourth-placed side look to close in on the automatic promotion places.
Watford winger Forsyth and Sunderland defender Egan were not eligible for the midweek penalty shootout win over Northampton in the FA Cup.
Winger Kyel Reid (groin) and central defenders Luke Oliver (Achilles) and Andrew Davies (knee) remain long-term absentees.
Grecians striker Guillem Bauza came through a reserve game in midweek unscathed to give Paul Tisdale another attacking option ahead of the trip to Valley Parade.
The Spaniard netted in a 1-1 draw with Bournemouth's second string, having missed the club's last five games, but midfielder Arron Davies had to watch from the sidelines as he continues his recovery from his calf injury.
Exeter have back-to-back away trips that will be real test for Tisdale's troops.
"We have two very tough games now in Bradford and Gillingham," the City boss said. "Our players will need a bit of a break ahead of what will be a tough four or five days.
"There is a lot of travelling involved but we aren't unused to that. It is something we are used to and have to do. I'd like to get four points from those two games and if we do I'll be delighted."
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 |
