David Hopkin says his Bantams are relishing a “fantastic occasion” as City prepare to take on Sunderland in front of a record crowd at the Stadium of Light.
Hopkin’s men enter the Sky Bet League One contest looking to extend their unbeaten run to four games, having recorded back-to-back victories over Walsall and Scunthorpe.
Around 46,000 supporters are expected to pack in for the eagerly-anticipated fixture and the City manager is confident the Bantams can upset the odds.
Hopkin said: “We go there as massive underdogs but I have told the players to go and enjoy the occasion.
“Nobody will give us any chance and if we take anything from the game it will be a massive boost.
“We are going there to put on a display and hopefully we can pick something up.
“These players deserve to go and play on this stage for what they have done in the last three or four months that I have had them.”
“It will be fantastic for League One. But it’s also a game where you have to make sure you are still playing for the team.
“Some players go out and play in a big arena and think ‘I’ll show people what I can do’.
“It is important we go there, stay strong, do what we have been doing and stay as a team.
“We know it’s going to be very difficult but the fans can either go with them or against them.”
Skipper Anthony O’Connor is likely to return to the mix, though Kelvin Mellor (knee) will miss out through injury.
More than to 2,500 City supporters will be in attendance and Hopkin is hoping his side can deliver.
“It is great to go up to Sunderland and play them at any time but now the players have got some belief,” added Hopkin.
“The crowd will lift them and I am sure everyone is looking forward to it.
“It will be a fantastic occasion. Sunderland deserve great credit for the large amount of tickets they have sold and we will have sizeable travelling support."
Around 500 pay-on-the-gate tickets are available to travelling supporters and they can be purchased at the turnstiles - upon arrival.