McArdle blow for Bantams
Bradford defender Rory McArdle could miss out against Carlisle due to an ankle injury.
McArdle missed the midweek Capital One Cup defeat to Huddersfield in midweek when manager Phil Parkinson made plenty of changes and will not be rushed back unless he is 100% fit.
Parkinson has no new injury or suspension problems, but centre-half Luke Oliver (Achilles) is not yet ready to return from long-term injury and striker Andy Gray (broken arm) remains sidelined.
Strike pair Nahki Wells and James Hanson, skipper Gary Jones, winger Mark Yeates and defender Andrew Davies, rested due to a calf strain, are all expected to return to the starting line-up for the Bantams' first home game of the season.
Carlisle will be without suspended striker Lee Miller and on-loan defender Reece James could also miss out.
Miller will sit out the second game of a three-match ban following his straight red card in the opening-day defeat to Leyton Orient and Manchester United left-back James was withdrawn in the Capital One Cup penalty shootout win over Blackburn in midweek due to a thigh injury.
Versatile winger/defender Matty Robson could return to contention after missing the first two games with a back problem, while centre-half Sean O'Hanlon is working his way back from a knee injury.
Midfielder Paul Thirlwell and striker Mark Beck returned to the starting line-up in midweek and will be hoping to retain their places.
Source: PA
Source: PA