Bantams struck by sickness bug as Parkinson plots Wimbledon revenge

The Bantams’ training ground at Apperley Bridge was hit by the virus earlier this week and several players have been forced to stay at home.

City, who are also in Cup action on Tuesday night when they travel to Oldham Athletic in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy Northern Area semi-finals, are looking to avenge a home defeat to the League newboys in September.

But those hopes have been hampered by the problems caused by the sickness bug.

Parkinson said: “A couple more of the players have gone down with a sickness bug that has been around the training ground for the past few days.

“We have to be careful with things like this. We will be monitoring everyone closely and we won’t be risking anyone, who doesn’t seem quite right.

“It is looking likely that we won’t be able to finalise our full team selection until the lads report to the ground for the game.

“It has not been a completely ideal week of preparation for the game because of some of the lads missing out but we will still be up for the game this weekend.”

Bradford have not reached the FA Cup third round since being relegated from the second tier in 2004.

Parkinson added: “We wanted a home draw and we got it – AFC Wimbledon are a team we are capable of beating.”

Meanwhile, City have decided to shelve their usual Christmas season-ticket campaign until their league position improves.

The club, who traditionally launch the scheme with an early-bird offer this month so they can be bought as gifts, have chosen to delay the planned offer until the New Year.