Watford v Bradford City: Bantams planning to catch Zola’s men cold

PHIL PARKINSON expects Bradford City to play with freedom tonight as they head south to Watford for the second consecutive season.

The Bantams produced a bold display last January in their FA Cup third-round tie at Vicarage Road before bowing out 4-2.

Since then, Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola has taken charge of the Hornets and expectation is high that the club can challenge in this season’s Championship.

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To Parkinson, that means few will give his Bradford side much of a chance in tonight’s Capital One Cup second-round tie – and he believes that could work in the Yorkshire club’s favour.

The City manager said: “The draw was not the attractive one the club was looking for but, equally, it is a tie where we can travel with a degree of confidence and freedom.

“There are no expectations from anyone other than ourselves so we want to go down and give a good account of ourselves.

Watford have changed quite considerably with a new manager and some new players.

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“But I felt we did okay last season in the FA Cup and gave a good account of ourselves.

“Watford are a good team but, hopefully, we can catch them cold.”

City last reached the third round of the League Cup in 2001-02, when, ironically, it was Watford who ended any hopes of further progress by beating Jim Jeffries’s side – who had beaten Macclesfield Town and Rotherham United in earlier rounds – 4-1.

Parkinson may be tempted to rest several of the players who strolled to a 5-1 win over Wimbledon in League Two on Saturday.

Last six games: Watford DWWWLW, Bradford City LDWLWW.

Last time: Watford 4 Bradford City 2; January 7, 2012; FA Cup.

Referee: C Sarginson (Staffs).

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