David Hopkin insists his side must “take their opportunity” in a bid to leave behind Sky Bet League One’s bottom four.
City sit 23rd on the league ladder but victory this evening - over 18th-placed Shrewsbury - would propel Hopkin’s men up the table.
The Bantams enter this evening’s 7.45pm contest on the back of a 1-1 draw against Burton on Saturday.
“If we can manage to get three points, we will probably bring another four or five clubs into the reckoning,” said Hopkin.
“I think we are still in with a chance of catching anybody who has not yet reached the 40-point mark.
“It’s a massive game for us and for Shrewsbury. If we do win, we could climb maybe three or four places up the league table.
“We need to make sure we are still in it. It doesn’t look great sitting second bottom in the league but a win would take us level with Shrewsbury – which provides great motivation for the players.
“There could be eight or nine teams in amongst it, if they go on a run and don’t pick up wins.
“A lot of teams now realise that. If we can get to 31 points and get level with Rochdale, Gillingham and Shrewsbury, then we will be in a good place going into February.
“We need to be patient and organised because we’re playing against a good team. You saw how well they played against Wolves.
“We can’t afford to go gung-ho and try to win the game early. But three points would make a great difference to us – and also make a few teams nervy above us.”
Gates open at 6.30pm this evening and supporters will be able to pay on the gate.