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Bradford City

Bradford City

Bradford City

THE HARD MEN - WORST DISCIPLINE

Bradford City

HEAD TO HEAD

Bradford

RECENT MEETINGS

THE OPPOSITION

Dean Windass is in double figures so far this season

Bradford maintained their position in a play off spot courtesy of a hard thought 1-0 Yorkshire derby win at Huddersfield last weekend with Owen Morrison scoring the all important goal on the stroke of half time. Bradford have been impressive at home averaging almost 2.5 goals in the eleven home games this season and converting five of the games into wins.

Dean Windass is Bradford's leading scorer with the experienced striker finding the net on 12 occasions and he has urged Bantams fans to get behind the team on Boxing Day. "We've come out of admin, the players are trying their hardest to keep us in the Play-Off zone, Julian Rhodes and Jim Brown are doing their bit and Colin Todd and Bobby Davison are doing theirs. Now it's up to the fans," he told the Telegraph & Argus. "It's great when they travel away in numbers and we get the results. Now we've got a home game coming up and I'd love to see a big crowd here to back us all the way."

Manager Colin Todd expects a difficult game against Wrexham despite what he calls the Red Dragon's artificial position in the league table. "If you look at Wrexham, they were in a decent position do they'll think 'let's claws those points back as quickly as possible', said Todd in the Evening Leader and he continued by adding: "We had a very good game down there, we lost 1-0 but didn't deserve to lose with 10 men. Their position is worse now but they're not a bad side."

Denis Smith has injury problems

Denis Smith does not share Todd's optimism about life in administration as he has to cope with what he describes as the worst injury crisis he has known since he has been in the game. "I have to be honest and confess that with 48 hours to go before the game I don't know what my team is going to be," explained Smith in the Daily Post. He added: "It's not an ideal situation to be in but we've got to get on with it and we will put out what we hope is a competitive side. Because of the changing personnel all the time, I've tried three or four different systems within our general pattern of play and I might come up with another before Sunday.

Wrexham Team News: Denis Smith's options have been boosted with Shaun Pejic back from suspension and Matt Crowell returning from injury but although Scott Green has recovered from illness he has been hampered by a groin strain and this will keep him out of the visit to Valley Parade. Andy Dibble continues in goal but there is likely to be one change in defence with Craig Morgan expected to sit out for Shaun Pejic to return to partner Steve Roberts and Dennis Lawrence in the back three. Denis Smith has options in midfield with Crowell back and Whitley possibly moving into the centre from wing back. Darren Ferguson will start but it is any two from Crowell, Smith, Whitley, Llewellyn or Mackin to play alongside him in the centre of the park. Andy Holt will be at left wing back with Jim Whitley on the other flank but if he is required in midfield then Simon Spender will be recalled on the right. Up front Juan Ugarte should feature with his partner any one of Chris Armstrong, Hector Sam or Chris Llewellyn although the Welshman could be used as a support man if Smith opts for a two man midfield.

Wrexham Squad (18): Dibble, Jones, Pejic, Morgan, Roberts, Lawrence, Holt, Whitley, Crowell, Ferguson, Smith, Mackin, Spender, Jones, Sam, Llewellyn, Armstrong, Ugarte.

Bradford Team News: Colin Todd will be giving Paul Tierney a start after the defender joiner on loan from Manchester United until the end of the season. Owen Morrison will also play after recently making his loan move from Stockport permanent.

Officials: The match referee is Carl Boyeson from East Yorkshire and he is assisted by Mark Brown from East Yorkshire and Alan Greaves from South Yorkshire. Carl Boyeson has refereed 17 games this season sending two players off but has booked 47 at an average of 2.76 per game.

Weather: Sunny spells but temperatures will only reach 1 degrees Celsius with a 4 mph biting north westerly wind coming off the Pennines.

The Bookies View: Bradford are the favourites and are odds on at  8/12 with Sporting Odds, UK Betting, Stan James, Bet 365, Total Bet and Tote Sport. Wrexham are best priced at 53/20 with Super Odds who are also offering the draw at 26/5.