Southend United vs Bradford City. Sky Bet League Two.
Roots HallAttendance5,526.
Thursday 15 December 2011 17:42, UK
Team news ahead of Southend's League Two clash against Bradford at Roots Hall on Friday night.
Skipper Chris Barker has been ruled out of Southend's home clash. The defender was forced off shortly after the hour mark in Tuesday's 1-0 FA Cup defeat at Oldham having been unable to shrug off a calf problem. Barker, however, insists it is more tightness than a strain and is hoping to be back in contention for the Boxing Day trip to Aldershot. Bilel Mohsni starts a two-match ban for the red card he received at Boundary Park, a suspension which is his third of the season and will lead to internal discipline by the club although his future does appear to remain at Roots Hall. Midfielder Jean-Paul Kalala is back in contention having served a one-match ban in midweek. Winger Jemal Johnson, who has completed a 14-day club suspension as a result of his off-field behaviour, had a disciplinary hearing on Wednesday and a decision will be made by the powers that be at Southend over the next few days. It remains to be seen whether he will available to face Bradford. Meanwhile, Bradford defender Robbie Threlfall could return to contention. The 23-year-old full-back has been sidelined for over a month with a thigh problem, but may be included in Phil Parkinson's squad. Parkinson will be without striker Ross Hannah, who missed last week's home draw with fellow strugglers Plymouth after injuring his hamstring during the warm-up. Craig Fagan is expected to continue alongside James Hanson up front. Parkinson has no new injury or suspension problems and is unlikely to make any unforced changes, although midfield pair Chris Mitchell and Ritchie Jones and striker Nahki Wells are pushing for recalls to the starting line-up. Midfielders David Syers and Lee Bullock, both long-term absentees due to knee injuries, are unlikely to be involved, but hope to feature at some stage during the Christmas fixture schedule.