Will the skipper be back in the squad?

Last updated : 20 September 2002 By Tony Scholes
Steve Davis - could be set for a return
Davis is without the number one choice for Stan at the back and although he has now been out of the side for five weeks it would come as no surprise if he was to put him straight back in.

With the defence having looked a bit more settled recently though it is more likely that he will be on the bench provided there has been no reaction during the last training sessions.

There is no doubt that Stan values his presence in the side and if he is considererd fit enough then he will certainly be in the sixteen if not in the starting eleven.

None of the other injured players are ready for a return but it has been suggested that Paul Weller and Gordon Armstrong could be just a week away. There is no sign of a return for Brad Maylett from his achilles injury and news has reached us this week that Anthony Shandran has a stress fracture and could be out for some time.

There could be changes in midfield where things are clearly not right, it was pretty woeful at times on Tuesday, and I wouldn't be surprised to see Lee Briscoe moved back into the central area at the expense of Lenny Johnrose.

Quite who plays up front is anyone's guess but I have a hunch that he will stick with the pair who started on Tuesday, Taylor and Papadopoulos.

So here goes and the starting line up I think Stan will start with: Marlon Beresford, Dean West, Ian Cox, Arthur Gnohere, Mark McGregor, Glen Little, Tony Grant, Lee Briscoe, Alan Moore, Dimitri Papadopoulos, Gareth Taylor. The subs will be from: Nik Mochopoulos, Steve Davis, Paul Cook, Lenny Johnrose, Ian Moore and Robbie Blake.

Bradford could be without Ashley Ward who, if today's news is true, could be a Portsmouth player by the time we kick off tomorrow. Even if he doesn't move though Ward is struggling with a ankle injury.

Definitely out are long term absentees Lewis Emanuel and Tom Keaney along with David Wetherall and this week Peter Atherton was ruled out after making a comeback appearance in a reserve team game.

One who will definitely not be at the game though is assistant referee Police Sgt. Miller who was supposedly moved to this game when he felt unable to take on the North East derby because of the stress that is keeping him off police duty.

The League confirmed to us this morning that it is not the case and the two assistants remain as Andy Butler from Lancashire and Rob Martin from South Yorkshire.

You shouldn't believe what the Bird drops.

For more on Bradford and a look back at past results and a former player from both clubs check out our MATCH PREVIEW