Neil Harris takes his Gills side to Bradford without Aiden O'Brien who will be missing the rest of the season due to a hamstring injury.
Bradford City v Gillingham
Sky Bet League Two
The University of Bradford Stadium
Saturday April 22nd
Kick-Off, 3pm
Team News:
Aiden O’Brien will miss the rest of the season due to the hamstring injury he picked up in the defeat to Northampton. Josh Chambers, who returned from his loan spell at Worthing on Thursday, could be named in the squad for the fixture.
Neil Harris will be hoping Shaun Williams is available who came off during the win over Leyton Orient.
Mark Hughes confirmed that Harry Chapman will miss the fixture and that his season is likely over. Brad Halliday should be okay to feature on Saturday, while Liam Ridehalgh is a doubt due to a facial injury. There is the possibility of him wearing a protective mask which would allow him to play against the Gills.
Vadaine Oliver may feature against his former club.
Manager Comments:
Mark Hughes - "They are a good side. They have good threats and ability up at the top end of the pitch. We put in a great performance at their place, so know we can win comfortably if we do it well."
Neil Harris - "We know we can compete with the best sides now.
"The lads need to continue showing me they are worthy of a top seven place next season.
"Bradford have some fantastic players, Andy Cook has been the best number nine in the division."
Previous Meetings:
When the two teams met at the MEMS Priestfield Stadium in February, The Bantams came out on top in a 2-0 win. Richie Smallwood headed Brad Halliday’s cross into the bottom corner to give Bradford the lead in the 27th minute. Andy Cook made it two just four minutes into the second half as he dinked the ball over the oncoming Glenn Morris.
Gillingham’s last visit to Valley Parade came in April 2019, where the points were shared. Kelvin Mellor gave Bradford the lead in the tenth minute as he headed Billy Clarke’s free-kick beyond Tomas Holy. Gills equalised in the 53rd minute. Brandon Hanlan beat Ben Wilson to Bradley Garmston’s cross, and he reacted quickest to get to the loose ball before prodding it into the back of an empty net.
Regan Charles-Cook came close to adding a second but saw his left-footed effort from the edge of the box rattle the crossbar.
Ticket Information:
For all the information regarding Saturday’s fixture, click here.
Gillingham fans cannot pay cash on the day, however you can pay online via a QR code which will be posted up near the away turnstiles. This is also the place where you collect pre-paid tickets.
Odds:
Bradford City win - 4/5
Draw - 23/10
Gillingham win - 7/2
Tom Nichols to score first and Gillingham to win 2-1 - 85/1.
Match Officials:
Referee - Benjamin Speedie
Assistants - Thomas Harty and Marvyn Amphlett
Fourth Official - Billy Smallwood