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League Two play-off final Preview: Bradford and Northampton boast fully fit squads

SoccerNews in English Premier League 16 May 2013

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Bradford City and Northampton Town will meet at Wembley on Sunday for a place in League One next season.

City, who overcame Burton Albion in the semi-final having finished seventh in League Two, have already visited Wembley this season, when they reached the Capital One Cup Final, losing to Swansea City.

The only injury worry for City is winger Kyel Reid who has a continuing groin problem, but manager Phil Parkinson has given his squad as much time as possible to recharge their batteries or in Reid’s case, shake off any injuries.

Parkinson, who gave the club a boost recently by signing a new two-year contract, has a fresh and ready squad now following an extended break at the weekend, despite his side gearing up to play their 64th game of the season on Sunday.

“I feel this team have still got a lot of running and enthusiasm left in them. You see that every day at training, even this late in the season,” he told the Telegraph and Argus.

Reid is seen as a player who can win the game for City, with the quick, tricky winger having been a big player for Parkinson this season, but the manager also confirmed that they won’t risk him if he is not fit enough to take part.

For Northampton, the only player definitely ruled out is Alex Nicholls who still has some way to go on his road to recovery from a broken leg sustained in Octobe
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Other than Nicholls, Northampton boss Aidy Boothroyd has a fully fit squad to choose from meaning he can select the same starting XI that overcame Cheltenham Town in the semi-final.

Boothroyd said his side are fully refreshed after their exertions against Cheltenham, with all his charges eager to play a part.

“The extra days off have helped the players who were struggling a little bit and we go into the game with a fully fit squad, Alex Nicholls apart, which is great,” he told the club’s official website.

“We don’t want to leave any stone unturned and everyone has a part to play.

“We’ve got some work to do this week but this is where you have got to be ruthless.

“There will be players who are disappointed not to start the game or who aren’t even on the bench but it’s up to me to pick a team that I think can win the game.”

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