Arrival of leaders Sky Blues is welcomes by in-form Bradford City

The Bantams go into the clash in buoyant mood after making it nine games unbeaten - and five clean sheets in a row - with the weekend win at Scunthorpe United.

Just goals scored is keeping City out of the play-off places and Parkinson is anticipating a bumper crowd for the visit of Tony Mowbray’s in-form side.

“It is a mouth-watering game,” said the Bradford chief, whose side have drawn 3-3 and triumphed 3-2 against the Sky Blues at Valley Parade in the past two seasons. “I think it’s going to be terrific.

“Our last two home games against Coventry have been really entertaining and both teams go into this on form. The way we’re both set up, I’m sure it will be great to watch.

“Tony is a very experienced manager. He did some good business late in the window.

“Sometimes youngsters come in and don’t hit the ground running. But the ones they have taken have been brilliant for them and given that extra bit of quality to the team.

Equally they are an open team when they haven’t got the ball and there are areas where I feel we have got players to give them problems.”

Jordan Bowery is again expected to lead the attack alongside Billy Clarke, while James Hanson is out along with Steven Davies. The game may come too soon for James Meredith.

Parkinson added: “Meredith and Hanson have made big improvements over the weekend, which is great news for us.

“We will just assess them again over the next 48 hours but they are not going to be long term.”