Chesterfield V Bradford at Proact Stadium - Match Preview




Richards doubt for Spireites

Marc Richards remains Chesterfield's only injury concern ahead of the crucial clash with fellow npower League Two play-off hopefuls Bradford.

The striker has a chance of being fit for Saturday's game after missing the victory at Barnet last weekend with the ankle injury that forced him off against his former club Port Vale on April 1.

Blues boss Paul Cook said: "He trained on his own with the physio (on Thursday) and came through that okay. He'll be touch and go but we might put him in the squad if we can.

"If we can get him on the bench and are able to bring him on to give everyone a lift, then we'll do that. But we have to be careful to not cause more damage just for the sake of one game, however important it might be, and risk not having him for the rest of the season."

Defender Richard Brindley and striker Armand Gnanduillet were left out of the squad against Barnet following a breakdown in contract talks but both players have trained as usual this week and are available for selection.

Bradford manager Phil Parkinson is expected to name the same starting line-up for the fourth successive game.

Parkinson, who has no new injury or suspension worries, has steered his side into the last play-off spot following four wins and a draw and is unlikely to make any changes.

Midfielder Ricky Ravenhill is expected to shake off a knock sustained in the midweek win over Bristol Rovers and should start again.

Nathan Doyle and Will Atkinson both provide Parkinson with extra options in midfield, while defenders Michael Nelson and Carl McHugh, winger Zavon Hines and striker Alan Connell are all pushing for recalls.

Jon McLaughlin has started the last five matches and is expected to continue in goal, with Matt Duke on the substitutes' bench again.

The Bantams are a point better off than the team immediately below them, Exeter, with a game in hand.


Source: PA

Source: PA