Chesterfield vs Bradford AFC preview - Evatt boost for Spireites

Posted Friday, December 12, 2014 by PA

Chesterfield captain Ian Evatt should be fully fit for the visit of Bradford.

Evatt was only fit enough for a place on the bench against MK Dons, having been forced off with a head injury at Crawley the previous weekend.

In his absence, youngster Charlie Raglan and loanee Georg Margreitter formed the Spireites' central defensive partnership and after seeing his side keep a clean sheet in that 1-0 win, Blues boss Paul Cook faces a dilemma about recalling Evatt.

Cook is unlikely to make too many changes, with the likes of Dan Gardner and Romuald Boco also hoping for starting roles. Margreitter will be involved for the final time before he returns to Wolves while left-back Daniel Jones is still suspended.

On-loan Sunderland goalkeeper Jordan Pickford is expected to return to Bradford's starting line-up and skipper Stephen Darby has shaken off injury.

Pickford was refused permission to play in last week's FA Cup win against Dartford - Ben Williams deputised - while defender Darby was withdrawn as a precaution due to a tight calf.

Boss Phil Parkinson has no major new injury or suspension worries and is not expected to make any unforced changes as his side bid to extend their unbeaten run to six matches.

Striker James Hanson, recent signing Francois Zoko and defender Alan Sheehan are among those pushing for recalls.