Gary Bowyer says his Bantams will face a "different" test - in tonight's Leasing.com Trophy tie against Manchester City Under-21s (7.30pm).
The clash will see City pit themselves against youngsters from the Premier League champions’ academy, in their second Northern Group F fixture.
The Bantams boss has spoken of his excitement ahead of playing a team unlike any they are likely to face in Sky Bet League Two.
Bowyer said: "We are looking forward to a completely different challenge.
"It is a slightly different game in a different competition, which we will welcome.
"We are unlikely to face anything of this sort in the league, this season, which adds to the excitement value.
"It will be a great experience for both sides. For their youngsters, it will be great to test themselves against senior professionals.
"And, for us, to play against some of the most promising academy players in the country will be a good learning experience.
"We are looking forward to what will be a very interesting challenge, one we hope our lads are able to embrace."
Having maintained a hectic Saturday-Tuesday schedule since the opening weeks of the campaign, Bowyer is expected to ring the changes this evening.
The City chief has called for his players to grasp the opportunity they are given, insisting places in his first 11 are still up for grabs.
He added: "The players have had a very heavy two months, in terms of games and workload.
"This match presents the opportunity for some of the lads to get valuable minutes under their belts.
"The competition in the squad has been strong recently, so much so we have had the likes of Tyler French, Jackson Longridge and Hope Akpan missing out altogether.
"Tonight will give those players a chance to make a statement and force their way back into the side, and give me an even bigger selection headache."
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