MK Dons v Bradford: Bantams chief Parkinson planning to take out his frustrations on the road

But that is the task facing Bradford City, whose cause tonight at stadium:mk against the in-form Dons will not be helped by some notable absentees through injury and suspension.

Alan Sheehan starts a three-game ban following his red card in Saturday’s loss at home to Swindon Town, while the Bantams’ other left-back, James Meredith, is struggling with a chest infection and Matty Dolan is out with a hip problem

By far the biggest loss, however, remains broken-arm victim and central defender Andrew Davies, whom Parkinson admitted in the wake of the defeat to Robins was like having “one-and-a-half players”.

The club’s injury problems are why the Bradford manager spent yesterday scouring the loan market for possible replacements for the coming eight days’ road trip.

He said: “We are going to be threadbare now.

“We had to look at it (loan market) because we have MK Dons, Colchester and then MK Dons again.

“But I am looking forward to that challenge already because I am frustrated and so annoyed because so much effort went into our recent games.”

Last six games: Milton Keynes Dons LWDWWW, Bradford City LWWLLL.

Last time: Milton Keynes Dons 2 Bradford City 3; November 23, 2013; League One.

Referee: A Marriner (West Midlands).