League Two Bradford (2) v Rovers (0)

[Rockford's Love Child]

Pike can also play left back.

 

[Ian]

Merrie is pretty terrible as a defender, hopefully not bbtc!

 

[dollar'sbloke]

Merrie has no future in CM, he had a long run and was fairly ineffective. His defensive quality is in doubt but since McDonald or Rideout we haven't had much anyway. He offers nothing going forward but does have a pass so might be a flat back four option. Which is pretty thin gruel as we haven't that system for ages. If LOC stays it might come in as his crossing is poor also

 

[bigmart]

Where is the lesser spotted Jake Leake

 

[Sparky]

I’d prefer Norris at left back ahead of Merrie or even Pike. Meaning Merrie could play in midfield. McAlear did ok last Saturday when he came on but Merrie would give the defence a bit more protection.

 

[Boz]

Where is the lesser spotted Jake Leake

Very surprised that he's not gone back to Hull with his injury-hit season. Might add some credence to those who suggested he was on a try to buy deal similar to when we bought O'Connor and Hawkes. On the little I've seen of him in action not convinced, but he's played so few games and mostly under Dawes that it's hard to assess his potential.

 

[Boz]

Wood will be a loss for this game, particularly playing against an old club. Due to the state of the Bradford pitch, suspect Walker might have been rested for this, even if fit.

Given it's been suggested McAlear has also been given a year extension to his contract, it wouldn't be a surprise to see him as the Walker replacement, although I'd prefer Merrie. At left-back it's harder to call. Pike hasn't left the club, James Norris is still available and there's always an option of using Turnbull or Belehouan there now Tom Davies appears to be fit. Historically Merrie has done ok as makeshift left-back, but looked out of sorts last weekend in that slot. The last couple of games Bradford have played Brad Halliday, as right wing-back. Don't know much about him, but suspect less of a challenge defensively than Hepburn-Murphy.

 

[bigmart]

No Turnbull either, Davies, Pike and Saunders start, not sure who's centre midfield with Hendry, guess it's Jennings though could be Morris

 

[bring back the cowshed!]

No Turnbull, McAlear or James Norris. Connor Jennings in midfield, it seems. Strange set up.

 

[Sparky]

No Turnbull so Yarney alongside Davies with Pike at LB. If still 4-4-2 might be Connor alongside Hendry as Saunders back in.

 

[Sparky]

No Cookie in the Bradford squad

 

[dollar'sbloke]

No Cookie in the Bradford squad

Still score

 

[Sparky]

Had a chat pre match with Ronnie Moore. He’s given up on getting to 1000 games in management! On around 940 at the moment

 

[Boz]

Think it will need to be Connor in midfield otherwise at risk of being overrun. It will be interesting to find out post-match if the other absences are injury-related like Walker and Wood or purely tactical.

 

[Sparky]

Jennings is centre mid

 

[Ian]

Great chance for Yarney early on, headed just wide from a corner.

 

[Ian]

Scramble in the box, Rovers survive.

 

[Boz]

Rovers started brightly, but Bradford getting on top now. More of their attacks coming down our right. Apter seems quiet at present.

 

[Ian]

0-0 H.T. Pretty even game, both sides having chances I'd say we look more likely to create something but we just need a bit more quality in the final third.

 

[Boz]

Bradford having more chances, while Rovers’ best goal attempt the Saunders back-heel stopped on the line by their keeper.