Bradford City v Crewe Alexandra: City are desperate to get back on track at home

The Bantams are just a point off fourth place in League One after 10 games but they have not won in front of their own fans since the opening day.

Since that thrilling last-gasp victory over Coventry City on August 9, Bradford have claimed just one point from a possible 12 at home.

Today’s visit of rock-bottom Crewe Alexandra should, therefore, offer an excellent opportunity to end that winless run.

Parkinson said: “I went to watch Crewe on Tuesday night (when losing 3-0 at home to Notts County) but they might make changes from that game. I am not really reading too much into that game.

“I would see them as possibly changing personnel and formation so predicting how they might set up is not easy. So, all we can do is focus on ourselves and make sure we have the right drive and deterimnation.

“I want us to excite the crowd more than we have done at home this season. We have played some good football but we need more energy in our play.”

City’s tally of four points from five home league games is in stark contrast to the 11 they have claimed on the road from an identical number of matches.

Nevertheless, Bradford sit handily in ninth place and Parkinson added: “The league table usually starts to take shape after 10 games and we have reached that stage. But things are very, very tight and one result can take a team up or down quite a way.

“We just have to get this elusive home win. Getting our home form back on track is important because while a lot of our best performances have been away, we want to get the results for our fans who can only see us at home.”

Crewe’s loss in midweek took their tally of goals conceded to 27 this term.

James Hanson was hoping to add to that tally but Parkinson will not risk the striker, who has missed the last four games with a thigh problem.