Capital One Cup: Bradford v Arsenal match preview

A look ahead to tonight's Capital One Cup quarter final fixture at Coral Windows Stadium

Following Bradford's expulsion from the FA Cup, they will do well to avoid exiting their second domestic cup competition in as many weeks when they host Arsenal this evening.

Arsene Wenger's side boast a formidable record in the Capital One cup over the years, and have scored 13 goals in their last two League Cup fixtures this season.

The Gunners have never been knocked out of this competition by a side from the fourth tier, yet the Bantams will be difficult opponents as they mount a promotion push in League Two this season.

Phil Parkinson's side sit fourth in the table and have aspirations to return to the third tier for the first time since 2006/07.

Arsenal will be eager to avoid penalties; Bradford have won their last eight successive shootouts.

KICK-OFF: Tonight, 7.45pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS…

Arsenal 2 (Parlour, Lauren) Bradford 0, Premier League, January 2001

Bradford 1 (McCall) Arsenal 1 (A Cole), Premier League, September 2000

Bradford 2 (Windass, Saunders) Arsenal  1 (Henry), Premier League, February 2000

STATS…

This the first time the two clubs have met in the League Cup.

Bradford are the first League Two club to qualify for the last eight of the League Cup since Wycombe Wanderers in 2006-07, who eventually lost over two legs to Chelsea in the semi finals.

Arsenal have reached the last eight of the League Cup for the 10th successive season and victory tonight would see the Gunners set a new outright record in the League Cup by qualifying for the semi-finals for the 15th time.

Arsenal have been knocked out by a club outside the top flight once in the last 22 seasons; a 0-2 defeat against Burnley in the quarter finals in 2008.

ODDS…

Bradford to win: 8.8

Arsenal to win: 1.42

Draw: 5.2

CLASSIC MATCH...

Bradford remained unbeaten in their two home fixtures against Arsenal in their brief spell in the Premier League between 1999 and 2001 and stunned the Gunners in February 2000 to all but end Arsene Wenger's title hopes.

Veteran striker Dean Saunders scored the second half winner, after Thierry Henry had cancelled out Dean Windass' 10th minute opener.

The result left Arsenal nine points adrift of Manchester United having played a game more, while Paul Jewell's Bradford secured just their fifth victory of the season.

TV: Live on Sky Sports 1 at 7.45pm, highlights on BBC1 on Wednesday at 11.15pm