Bradford v Southend preview

Team news for Friday's League Two clash between Bradford City and Southend at Valley Parade.

Bradford midfielder Ricky Ravenhill is expected to shake off a shin injury in time. Ravenhill was forced off in Bradford's recent home win over Wycombe, but last week's postponed game at Bristol Rovers has given him extra time to recover. Manager Phil Parkinson has no other new injury or suspension worries and apart from long-term absenteee Luke Oliver (Achilles) will choose from a fully-fit squad. Defender Carl McHugh is pushing for a recall after making his second appearance for the Republic of Ireland Under-21s in Monday night's friendly defeat to Portugal, while Parkinson must decide whether to recall Matt Duke or retain Jon McLaughlin in goal. Leading goalscorer Nahki Wells, defender Michael Nelson, plus midfielders Nathan Doyle and Will Atkinson are all hoping to play a part after starting on the substitutes' bench against Wycombe. The Bantams, seven points adrift of the play-offs, are cahsing back-to-back league wins for the first time since October. Phil Brown takes charge of his first game as Southend boss. Brown was appointed on Monday this week following the sudden sacking 24 hours earlier of Paul Sturrock, who is set to make a remarkable one-game return to manage the Shrimpers in next Sunday's Johnstone's Paint Trophy final at Wembley. Yet Southend must first face an Easter double-header under the guidance of new boss Brown. Mark Phillips (broken toe) has trained over the last couple of days but the clash may come too soon, while fellow defender Chris Barker (Achilles) definitely remains unavailable. Midfielder Michael Timlin (broken leg) and striker Neil Harris (knee) will not play again this season.