Bradford AFC vs Oldham Athletic AFC - John Sheridan confident of winning start at Bradford on Oldham return

Posted Friday, January 15, 2016 by PA

Bradford defender Nathan Clarke will return to contention for the home game against Oldham following suspension.

Clarke missed last week's goalless FA Cup draw at Bury after his late dismissal in the recent defeat at Gillingham and boss Phil Parkinson must decide whether to recall him or stick with Christopher Routis alongside Rory McArdle in central defence.

Striker Steven Davies, sidelined since the end of October with knee ligament damage, returned to full training this week but is not expected to be in contention.

Midfielder Josh Morris hopes to have finally shaken off his knee injury after stepping off the bench in the second half at Bury, while Parkinson has no major new injury worries.

John Sheridan takes his Latics side the short trip up the M62 to face the mid-table Bantams for his first match in charge after his return to the north west on Wednesday.

The 51-year-old, who managed Oldham between 2006-09 after six years playing at Boundary Park, was appointed earlier this week to replace David Dunn with the club struggling five points from safety after a seven-match winless run in Sky Bet League One.

Oldham have not made any signings this week as they battle against the drop but chairman Simon Corney agrees they need to bring in three or four new players to help their cause and Burnley loanee full-backs Cameron Dummigan and Daniel Lafferty could retain their places in the starting XI.

Sheridan is confident he can start off with maximum points from his first game, telling Oldham's Twitter account: "I've already picked my team for Saturday and we will be going to Bradford on Saturday to win."