Harry Chapman ready for first Bantams start since April.
In what may be Kevin McDonald’s final game leading the city, Harry Chapman is set to make his first start of the year.
McDonald, the interim manager, intends to make significant adjustments for the EFL Trophy matchup between the under-21 team and Manchester City at home.
Winger Chapman, who is anxious to resume playing following hamstring surgery, is probably one of them.
He was left out of the squad that went to Sutton, despite making a brief comeback off the bench against MK Dons last week.
Chapman is now likely to get the nod to start a game for the first time since limping out of City’s play-off push at Swindon in April.
McDonald takes charge for the seventh time as the club looks to close in on making a permanent managerial appointment.
A win at Valley Parade this evening would see the Bantams through to the knockout stages with a game to spare.
The big Scot made nine changes for the 2-1 victory at Grimsby in their group opener and is predicting something similar with the team sheet.
Goalkeeping coach Colin Doyle made his first appearance in the City goal for five years in that game and is expected to feature once again to give Harry Lewis another breather.
Lewis Richards, Jon Tomkinson, Chishom Afoka, Rayhaan Tulloch, and Tyler Smith are all likely to get the chance to push their claims and catch the eye of any potential new boss watching.
Emmanuel Osadebe starts his three-game ban in the competition after his red card at Blundell Park.
McDonald, who is also expected to play, said: “There will be a good number of changes again.
“There are players who deserve to play and work hard in training but have not been fortunate enough to get on the pitch. These boys need games, and we’ll give them those.
“They need that opportunity. I’ve said to them before that the lads will get a chance to go and show what they can do.
“Enjoy going out there because that’s what they get paid to do. They are footballers who just want to play football, and they will do that.”
After back-to-back league losses, City switched to knockout mode this week with tonight’s game followed by an FA Cup first-round home tie against League One Wycombe, when they could have a new man at the helm.
“Would I prefer another game where we can try and get back in form in the league?” added McDonald. “Of course I would, 100 percent.
“But at the same time, these guys have worked tirelessly since I’ve come in and not had much of a chance, and they deserve a game.
“I want them to show what they can do, and I know they definitely will, just like at Grimsby. It’s on them to take the opportunity.
“We are aware of the club’s enormous roster, but there is great potential. In particular, I want them to enjoy their football while I’m here.
“Everything we’ve done has their support. Although they have been smiling all over the place, they have not been playing on Saturday, which is what they do for a living.
Man City lost 3-1 to group leaders Barnsley, who visit Valley Parade in two weeks, then defeated Grimsby 4-2 on penalties following a 2-2 draw.
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