BIG MATCH PREVIEW: COLCHESTER v CITY

City contest their third away game in four matches, at Colchester United.

The Bantams will be looking to return to winning ways upon their trip to Essex, against the in-form U's.

John McGreal's men currently sit eighth in Sky Bet League Two, just a point behind City and three outside the automatic promotion places.

We have compiled a Big Match Preview packed full of everything you need to know ahead of the 7.45pm clash…

TEAM NEWS

City: Paudie O'Connor, Hope Akpan and Eoin Doyle could all be in the running to skipper then Bantams in Essex, with Gary Bowyer without club captain James Vaughan.

The striker picked up his 10th booking of the season against Scunthorpe and will miss City's next two matches.

Jamie Devitt could feature for the Bantams, after making the bench against the Iron, while Harry Pritchard may return from injury.

Colchester: U's boss John McGreal could opt to start new singing Tafari Moore, who signed on loan from Plymouth Argyle over the weekend.

The full-back put pen to paper to cover for the injured Cohen Bramall, who is still unavailable.

Theo Robinson could again feature, having extended his loan from Southend United while 20-year-old Michael Fernandes - who has recently impressed - could again make the bench.

LAST TIME OUT

The Bantams' last meeting with Colchester came came during the 2015/16 campaign, in March 2016.

Phil Parkinson's side - having taken an early lead - were pegged back and beaten 2-1 at home to the Essex side.

Bradford City 1 (Wes Thomas 17')

Colchester United 2 (Darren Ambrose 23', 57')

Sky Bet League One

Tuesday March 1st 2016

Attendance: 16,786

City: Ben Williams; Stephen Darby (c), Rory McArdle, Nathan Clarke (Jamie Proctor 80'), James Meredith; Tony McMahon, Lee Evans, Josh Cullen (Mark Marshall 60'), Kyel Reid; James Hanson, Wes Thomas (booked 45+2', Billy Clarke 60'). Subs (not used): Joe Cracknell (GK), Christopher Routis, Greg Leigh, Billy Knott.

Colchester: Elliot Parish; Kane Vincent-Young (Alex Gilbey 33'), Tom Eastman, Leo Chambers, Nicky Shorey; Joe Edwards, Owen Garvan (c, booked 88'); Gavin Massey (booked 20'), George Moncur (Jamie Harney 89'), Darren Ambrose (booked 71, Macauley Bonne 81'); Chris Porter. Subs (not used): Dillon Barnes (GK), Nathan Oduwa, Femi Akinwande, Elliot Lee.

MATCH OFFICIALS

Trevor Kettle has taken charge of 21 matches so far this season, issuing 80 yellow cards and seven reds.

The Rutland official oversaw the U's' 1-0 defeat at home to Morecambe in October, and is yet to be in the middle of a City game this term.

Kettle will be flanked by Paul Kelly and Garry Maskell, with Oliver Jackson in as fourth official.

MATCH COVERAGE

Supporters unable to make the trip south tomorrow can follow match action via the club’s official Twitter page.

Supporters can also buy an iFollow match pass for just £10, enabling them to enjoy the game from the comfort of their own home! CLICK HERE to purchase.

IFollow subscribers can also catch all the reaction with post-match interviews and content.

The live feed will provide minute-by-minute coverage of the clash in addition to updates on other social media outlets such as Facebook and Instagram.

Full audio match commentary is available to iFollow Bantams subscribers, while BBC Radio Leeds’ Tim Steere and guest summariser and City legend Gary Jones will provide live radio commentary on 774 MW.

BACK THE BANTAMS - WITH SKY BET

City supporters can back their team for victory tomorrow with Sky Bet.

The hosts are currently 6/5 favourites for victory.

City fans can place their bets by CLICKING HERE.

PLEASE NOTE: All odds are subject to change.

KIT COLOURS

City will wear their claret and amber home strip for their trip to Colchester, while the hosts will don their royal blue and white home colours.

City: Claret and Amber Stripes / Black with Amber Detail / Black with Amber Detail

Colchester: Blue / Blue / White

Club News