SL preview: Bradford v Catalans (Sun)

Bradford have been forced into a change due to an injury to hooker Adam O’Brien.

Head coach Francis Cummins has called on Michael Platt as cover in the 19-man squad for a fixture that could see the Bulls move within touching distance of the play-offs.

Opposition head coach Laurent Frayssinous welcomes back four key players for the clash.

Both Remi Casty and Julian Bousquet slot straight into the 19-man travelling party following their suspensions.

Brent Webb and Olivier Elima also make timely returns after months on the sidelines with severe injuries.

Frayssinous will be without Zeb Taia after his three-match ban was upheld by the RFL panel earlier in the week and Daryl Millard also misses out, because of injury.

Bradford 19-man squad: Donaldson, Langley, Walker, Kearney, Gale, Kear, Scruton, Wood, L’Estrange, Platt, Lulia, Purtell, Olbison, Manuokafoa, Addy, Foster, Diskin, Sammut, Evans.

Catalan 19-man squad: Webb, Blanch, Pryce, Bosc, Elima, Henderson, Casty, Menzies, Mounis, Barthau, Maria, Pelissier, Larroyer, Pala, Bousquet, Fakir, Paea, Duport, Whitehead.

Prediction: Bradford have home advantage and are in better form than Catalan. Home win.

Stats:

Catalan Dragons are undefeated in their last six meetings with Bradford, having won five and drawn one. The Bulls’ last win against the French outfit was 36-14 at Stade Aime Giral on 10 April, 2010.

The Dragons have also won on their last three visits to Odsal, with the Bulls’ last home win against Catalans coming 42-18 on 23 August, 2009.

2013 meeting – Catalan 30-10 Bradford (SLR8, 23/3/13)

Super League summary:

Bradford won 9

Catalan won 7

1 draw

Bradford highest score: 54-6 (H, 2006) (also widest margin)

Catalan highest score: 50-26 (H, 2012) (also widest margin)