How Graham Alexander plans to get one over Mark Robins as Bradford City prepare to take on Stoke City

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Bradford City have been extremely impressive this season, and following promotion to League One, they are taking on the challenge with confidence.

A superb comeback victory over Stockport County earlier this month was proof of how the Bantams are going about their business in the third tier, and they are looking to carry that over to the Carabao Cup once again on Tuesday evening.

The West Yorkshire outfit were denied all three points against Peterborough United late on at the weekend, but after an incredible 2-1 victory over Championship side Blackburn Rovers, there are hopes of replicating that in the second round against another second tier side.

Bradford make the trip to Stoke City, and Graham Alexander has plans to upset the Championship table-toppers.

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Graham Alexander wants to replicate Bradford City cup success vs Stoke City

Two early goals at Ewood Park handed the Bantams a huge advantage in the first round, and while the hosts were able to halve the deficit, it was the League One side who prevailed.

However, they now face a Stoke side who have enjoyed a perfect start to the season – winning all three of their league games. Yet, Bradford are not resting on their laurels and are looking to shock their opponents once again.

Alexander has plans to outwit Mark Robins, and ahead of the game he was asked about potential changes to the team (via: Yorkshire Post): “There has to be,” he said. “We have to be true to the squad and look after the players. We’ve got another important league game on Saturday [at home to Wimbledon] and the cup’s important to us as well.

“We showed that at Blackburn with our performance. The players who came into the team did great and won a fantastic game against such a tough opponent. We have to do the same thing again against another Championship club with a fantastic squad and a top manager.

“But we have to use the squad.”

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The Bantams can catch Stoke City napping at the bet365 Stadium

After such a great start to the Championship campaign for Stoke, they will head into the clash with Bradford full of confidence.

However, this is a different sort of test for the Potters and they know just how much of a threat Alexander’s side can be.

The Bantams have nothing to lose against a team in a division above them, and a quick start could unsettle the hosts, just as it did against Blackburn. Being clinical is vital in contests such as this one, and Will Swan will be looking to add to his Carabao Cup account.

Bradford must be direct and not fear Stoke, and they have the opportunity to cause Robins’ players a huge dent in their early-season success.