Oliver benched: Bradford City team news and predicted XI to face Colchester United
11/15/2024 05:30 AM
Bradford City are in action again this weekend as they make the long journey to face Colchester United away from home.
Bradford City come into their Saturday afternoon clash with Colchester United looking to bounce back to winning ways in League Two after a narrow defeat to Fleetwood Town.
An early goal from Ronan Coughlan condemned the Bantams to defeat away from home. It leaves them 10th in the fourth-tier table and leaves Graham Alexander’s men three without a win, having been beaten by Doncaster Rovers and drawn against Cheltenham Town in the two games prior.
Nevertheless, the Yorkshire outfit will be favourites to take all three points this weekend.
It’s been seven League Two games since Colchester United tasted victory, a run that leaves Danny Cowley and co two points above the drop in 21st. The Essex outfit are staring down the barrel at another fight to maintain their EFL status.
Bradford City team news
Bradford City have had a torrid time with injuries in the first third of this season but Alexander looks to be nearing a few welcome boosts on that front. They are unlikely to impact the squad for the Colchester United clash though.
Speaking earlier this week, the Bantams boss said Aden Baldwin, Antoni Sarcevic and Alex Pattison are all close to returning to training following their respective absences.
Ciaran Kelly is also making progress back on the grass but he will remain unavailable for a while yet.
Free agent addition Corry Evans missed the Fleetwood defeat but Alexander has ‘fingers crossed’ he will be ready to play this weekend after coming back into training. Tyreik Wright will watch on from the sidelines again.
Predicted XI
(3-4-1-2)
Walker; Diabate, Byrne, Richards; Benn, Smallwood, Walker, Pointon; Kavanagh; Cook, Sanderson.
The Bradford City setup has had to be a flexible one with the injury problems throughout the squad, but a three-man defence with wing-backs has been the go-to for Alexander more often than not.
Andy Halliday could drop out again for a more natural centre-back in Cheick Diabate. He’ll likely start alongside Lewis Richards and Neill Byrne, while Halliday will either drop to the bench or take Jay Benn’s spot on the right.
Richie Smallwood and Jamie Walker are the few central midfield options available with Calum Kavanagh in an advanced role in front of them. Bobby Pointon may have to fill in on the left in a more defensive role again due to injuries.
Up top, Andy Cook will start, but he could be partnered by any one of three. Oliver Sanderson may get the nod after a struggle for minutes of late, likely leaving Vadaine Oliver and Tyler Smith on the bench.
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