A Bantams-mad MP last night flew back from a delegation in Palestine to be back in Bradford for City’s “unmissable” Capital One Cup quarter-final showdown against Premier League big-hitters Arsenal tonight.

Bradford East Liberal Democrat MP David Ward, who has been visiting the country’s West Bank for the last four days, expects to arrive back in Bradford in time to watch City take on Arsene Wenger’s men at Valley Parade – the club’s biggest game for 12 years, since beating Liverpool to stay in the top-flight of English football in May 2000.

The season ticket holder hopes to join 23,500 fans at the ground, which is expecting to see its biggest crowd since February 1960, when 26,227 watched Bantams’ 2-2 draw against Burnley in the fifth round of the FA Cup.

Mr Ward, who worked at the League Two club for five and a half years, said: “I have a committee meeting in London on Tuesday morning, but will be getting the train up from London to be at the game and travelling straight back down again on Wednesday.

“I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

Asked if he believed City could win the tie, he said: “Of course I do. I know it’s a cliche, but anything can happen in a cup tie. City have proven themselves as being good on cup occassions like this one.

“I remember the first game of the season when we were last in the Premier League and beat Chelsea at home. They were chanting ‘can we play you every week’.

“We can do it.”

Other senior political and sporting figures from across Bradford yesterday united to wish Phil Parkinson’s players luck in the hotly-anticipated clash.

Bradford South MP Gerry Sutcliffe, who will be watching the match from the Strangers’ Bar in the House of Commons, said he believed the club could take the scalp of yet another Premier League side, after beating Wigan in the fourth round of the competition.

“I’ve spoken to the club co-chairman Mark Lawn and wished him luck,” he said.

“This is great for the city and whatever the outcome, we are very proud of the club.

“At the end of the day, they have a great record against Premier League sides and I believe they can do it.”

Bradford West MP George Galloway said Arsenal’s form had been “very patchy” this season and believed they might field a weakened team.

Football satisticians would point out Gunners’ manager Wenger has never won at Valley Parade – with one defeat and one draw in City’s two years in the Premier League – and Arsenal have only won one of their last nine visits to Valley Parade.

“Bradford may not outpass them, but they will show great resilliance and bigger hearts. Good luck to the lads,” Mr Galloway said.

Bradford Council leader David Green said he would be at a full Council meeting during the match, but confessed his brother-in-law will be at Valley Parade supporting Arsenal.

“I offered to put him up for bed and breakfast at an extortionate rate if Arsenal won!

“I’m behind Bradford City 120 per cent, the club and it’s supporters have done brilliantly to get this far.

“I’m sure they will do themselves and the city proud and will be successful in beating Arsenal without the need for penalties!”

Francis Cummins, head coach of sporting neighbours Bradford Bulls, passed on his best wishes to the team.

“I'd definitely like to wish the lads good luck,” he said.

“It’s a big occasion, a one-off, and a chance for some of the players to make a name for themselves.”