Gary Bowyer believes Crewe will offer a tough test for his Bantams, who visit the Alexandra Stadium tomorrow (3.00pm).
The two sides will meet for the first time in over three years, as Bowyer’s men look to return to winning ways in Sky Bet League Two.
Despite exiting the Carabao Cup following a 6-1 defeat to Aston Villa, City boss Bowyer believes the Railwaymen - who sit one point ahead of his Bantams - have performed well so far.
He said: “I went to watch them against Aston Villa on Tuesday.
“After the game, (Aston Villa manager) Dean Smith said the scoreline didn’t represent the level of the opposition, which I think is true. Crewe played well.
“(Crewe Alexandra manager) David Artell has been there for two-and-a-half years and his side has a set way of playing.
“They have always produced good footballers throughout their history - and it is no different this year.
“They have a good squad and have been playing well.
“It is going to be a tough game for us and one where we have a good idea of what to expect from the opposition.”
Jamie Devitt and Callum Cooke could both get their first starts for the Bantams this weekend.
City's newcomers featured from the bench against Forest Green Rovers, after completing moves to the Utilita Energy Stadium late last week.
And the Bantams boss has been impressed with the work put in by the duo ahead of tomorrow's contest.
“You saw the impact they both can have against Forest Green,” added Bowyer.
“Jamie will pop up in the final third to thread passes and unlock defences.
“He is aware of what we want and his contribution was good. He knows he should have scored but that sharpness will come.
“Callum hasn’t had as many minutes throughout pre-season, so has played a little bit of catch-up.
“But he has been the last off the training ground this week, trying to get up to speed, and the way he has gone about his work has been phenomenal.”
Supporters can pay on the gate tomorrow at the Alexandra Stadium, with more than 1,200 City supporters set to make the near 160-mile trip.