Bradford AFC vs Gillingham preview - Double ban blow for Gills

Posted Friday, November 21, 2014 by PA

Gillingham will be without both Joe Martin and Michael Doughty through suspension.

Defender Martin serves the second game of a three-match ban he received for a straight red card at Crawley in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.

Midfielder Doughty must also sit out this fixture after being sent off for two bookable offences in last weekend's home win over Leyton Orient.

Charlie McDonald responded to being dropped for that clash with Orient by coming off the bench to bag the winner in a 3-2 triumph and could be rewarded with a return to the starting line-up.

Bradford manager Phil Parkinson faces a selection dilemma following last week's impressive win at Preston.

Parkinson has no new injury or suspension worries but must decide whether to recall striker James Hanson and midfielder Gary Liddle to his starting line-up after both started on the bench at Deepdale.

Hanson has been struggling with a thigh strain in recent weeks but is pushing for a recall, while Liddle had missed two games due to a hamstring injury prior to last week's inclusion.

Defender Alan Sheehan, plus midfielders Matty Dolan and Billy Knott are among those hoping to return to the starting XI.