If the form book is anything to go by, stick your money on City marking their League One return with a draw.

The Bantams have not had much joy from the opening day of the season – last year’s 3-1 loss at a baking-hot Gillingham was the fourth time in a row they have finished the first game empty-handed.

And a trip to newly-relegated Bristol City, who were two divisions higher than Phil Parkinson’s men last term, is hardly the friendliest fixture to welcome them back to the third tier.

But then, the west-country side suffer their own share of first-day nerves. Like City, who last kicked off a campaign with a win against Notts County five years ago, Bristol City have not made a three-point start since 2008.

So something, you would think, has got to give when the sides collide at Ashton Gate on August 3.

Given their recent Championship past, the bookies have quickly installed Bristol City as one of the pre-season favourites to make the jump straight back up. But it doesn’t always work like that – the Bantams know that more than anyone.

Reputation and expectation can weigh heavily on any team and Parkinson’s buoyant troops will head through the jam of holidaying caravans free of the usual spotlight that followed them week in, week out in League Two. The pressure on day one will be on City – but the Bristol variety.

Parkinson said: “It’s certainly not the worst start for us. Of course it’s a tough one but a good one too against a team who will be expected to be up there.

“Playing Bristol City will be an early benchmark for us for the teams we will be up against. It’s good to test ourselves.”

Sean O’Driscoll took over the Bristol helm from Derek McInnes in January but was unable to stave off the drop. Despite his strong promotion pedigree, he is preaching caution among their fans.

The Robins boss said: “The expectations are that we will be promoted back to the Championship but I think there is more pain to come. There has been a lot of pain already and it may not be over.”

With momentum firmly behind them, City will be keen to exploit that wound.

Another away starter – the fourth in five seasons – may have dampened the fixture excitement for some fans, especially with a game on the road also bringing the curtain down against Tranmere.

But after six seasons in League Two, seeing mouth-watering names such as Wolves, Coventry and Sheffield United on the same page is an indication that City are finally heading back in the right direction.

Parkinson might be currently enjoying a week’s break in the sun with the family but his mind is already ticking over with the challenges that lie ahead. You sense he cannot wait to get stuck in to pre-season.

He said: “It hits home to us when the fixtures come out. No disrespect to Dagenham & Redbridge and Accrington Stanley and teams like that, but next season we are going to Molineux and Bramall Lane.

“We are playing teams that are going to bring a lot of support and there is going to be a good atmosphere home and away. We’ll be playing in front of big crowds and that is what you dream of as a footballer.

“We’ve got Sheffield United coming to Valley Parade in the first month, which is great for our supporters to have a local derby.

“Then there is another one against Rotherham on Boxing Day. You always want to be at home over Christmas and you couldn’t ask for more than a derby against our old rivals.”

Could there be a better present for fans than finally seeing a first victory over bogey boss Steve Evans, who enjoys a perfect winning record from his four tussles with City with the Millers and Crawley?

Greg Abbott is sure of a much warmer welcome when the former Bantams stalwart brings his Carlisle side to Valley Parade for the first home game on August 10.

If that promises to attract a decent audience, then Sheffield United’s visit a fortnight later will really boost the coffers. Given the paucity of travelling support from the bulk of League Two, the prospect of a packed away end – back in their old haunt behind the goal – is long overdue.

Wolves make their first visit in 11 years on October 26, with the much-anticipated return fixture at the start of February.

After Rotherham, Swindon complete a home double header at Christmas before City see in the new year at Notts County’s Meadow Lane.

There are five midweek league matches on the schedule, with the longest being a March journey to Colchester.

City host Peterborough, another relegated club tipped to be strong, on Easter Saturday and then travel to Swindon for the Bank Holiday Monday.

Crawley provide the opposition for the final home game, their first time back since the infamous brawl night that produced headlines across the world.

And the season is signed off on the Wirral at Prenton Park – a ground where City have flourished in recent times. A trip to Tranmere used to be a staple diet of the fixture list; it has been missing for too long.

Third-tier football is hardly all glitz and glamour; far from it. But after so long marooned in the backwaters of League Two, City can start to feel at home again in more fitting surroundings.