TEAMtalk

Bradford v Oxford preview

Friday 09-March-2012 11:35

Bradford trio David Syers, James Hanson and Simon Ramsden are all expected to return to the squad.

Midfielder Syers has missed four of the last six games due to a back problem, striker Hanson has been sidelined for almost a month with a groin injury and defender Ramsden (hamstring) has been struggling since the win at Torquay in the middle of last month.

All three players returned to full training on Thursday with a view to being involved at the weekend.

Manager Phil Parkinson is hoping striker Craig Fagan can shake off the hamstring strain that kept him out of the midweek draw with Accrington.

But the Bantams will be without midfielder Ricky Ravenhill, who starts a two-match ban after reaching 10 yellow cards for the season, and on-loan striker Deane Smalley, who will not be appearing against his parent club.

Bradford, who have drawn their previous five home games are five points clear of the relegation zone.

Meanwhile, new loan signing Dean Morgan will go straight into the Oxford squad.

The striker arrived from Chesterfield on Thursday and will add further options up front for manager Chris Wilder, who will once again have to cope without talisman James Constable.

The prolific forward was sent off after just 11 minutes of the derby clash with Swindon last weekend for elbowing Robins centre-back Joe Devera, and serves the second match of his three-game ban at Valley Parade.

Meanwhile, Wilder will be without six other senior professionals against the Bantams.

Midfielder Peter Leven has been ruled out of the contest with a shoulder injury, while captain Jake Wright is unlikely to play a part because of a back problem.

Tom Craddock is still recovering from a knee complaint and fellow striker Jon-Paul Pittman will remain on the sidelines after aggravating a hamstring injury. Winger Alfie Potter (ankle) is out for the season and defender Tony Capaldi has yet to make his debut due to a succession of injuries.