Thompson urges focus ahead of play-offs task

The Bantams are guaranteed a play-off place going into the final day after a stunning run-in that has yielded 17 points from the last eight games.

City already know they will be at home in the play-offs on Thursday and then away on Sunday May 5 but today will determine who the opposition are. On the current standings, Phil Parkinson’s men will face fourth-placed Cheltenham.

Thompson said: “Everyone is aware we might face Cheltenham three times in a week but, equally, we might not as well.

“All we are focusing on is this game. Not the play-offs. Cheltenham are still fighting for automatic promotion, while we want to finish on a high. It should be a good contest. But if we do get Cheltenham in the play-offs, we will take them on full of confidence. We have only lost twice since Wembley and we need to keep that run going.”

To clinch automatic promotion, Cheltenham need to beat City and hope Rotherham lose at home to Aldershot Town.

Thompson added: “We want to finish as high as possible and sixth place is not out of reach. The main thing, though, is making sure we go into the play-offs on a high.

“Nothing is set in stone. We could get sixth with Northampton taking on Barnet, who are fighting for their lives. It is amazing how tight the league is.

“Something like seven teams can still go down. You could throw a blanket over them, which is how everyone wants the league to be.

“We just have to concentrate on our own game.”

Parkinson is contemplating rotating his troops today with the likes of Alan Connell and Nathan Doyle set to start. Kyel Reid is out with a groin strain.

Meanwhile, City have released details of their potential away ticket allocation for the play-offs.

If the Yorkshire club face Rotherham, the ticket allocation at the New York Stadium will be 2,300, while 1,400-1,600 places will be up for grabs at Cheltenham. Burton, meanwhile, will offer 1,400 terrace tickets and 380 seats.