CITY will make late checks on Alex Gilliead and Harry Chapman before the Crewe game.

Mark Hughes confirmed that both are doubts for tomorrow after suffering knocks during the Carabao Cup defeat to Blackburn.

Hughes said: “We will give them as long as we can but in my mind I need to make decisions.

“It’s not so much issues with the physicality of the game but more contact injuries.

“We’ve got enough cover in the squad. If I feel that it’s better guys miss out one game so they don’t miss out four by going one more time than they should, then we’ll try to protect players.

“It’s in the club’s interest to do that and mine as the manager.

“We can manage contact injuries, which you will get, and they resolve themselves quite quickly. If you compound the problem by playing them too readily after those injuries, it can become an issue.”

Crewe’s visit is the second of four successive home games. The Bantams have taken four points from their opening two league contests at Valley Parade.

Hughes added: “We look strong at home and the support we get is fantastic.

“As soon as we turn up to the ground, we’re just itching to get out there and play. Maybe that’s not been the case in the recent past so we’re in a much better place.

“We’re really enjoying playing at home. We feel it’s a real advantage to us.”

Crewe have started well since their relegation from League One, picking up three wins and 10 points so far.

“They’ve got good points on the board which they’ll be pleased about,” said the City boss. “It can be difficult for teams after they’ve been relegated.

“We’ve already faced one team in Doncaster who suffered a similar fate.

“We’ll see how they approach the game against us - hopefully it won’t be like Doncaster!”