It is an astonishing feat so far by Bradford City to reach the stage where the Bantams are hosting Arsenal at home, typical of an amazing series of cup runs.

It would be apt to say that whatever happens tonight, Bradford City players are already winners for getting to the quarter-finals of the Capital One cup. The fans will expect nothing less than for their team to play their collective hearts out, and the players will be going out there with giant-killing on their minds.

Bradford City’s success has brought attention on the district for all the right reasons, which is somewhat refreshing.

Amid the economic and social problems to which Bradford sometimes seems particularly prone, sport in general and football in particular can sometimes serve both as something to take our minds off less edifying situations and as a great leveller. When the whistle blows for kick-off tonight, Bradford City and Arsenal will be meeting, on the terms of this cup competition, as equals.

It’s a rare occasion, but one that Bradford can make a fantastic mark with both on and off the pitch.

So let us be good hosts for tonight’s match, and give those making the trek north to support Arsenal a warm welcome, some friendly hospitality, and a good impression of the Bradford district.

And once the match has kicked off, let’s give Arsenal a game to remember, too, and let us hope that the country wakes up tomorrow to read that Bradford City’s unstoppable cup run continues to gather pace.