City are gearing up for a cup final this afternoon.

The players are in no doubt that the home clash with fellow relegation fighters Stoke marks a crucial point of the campaign.

Midfielder Michael Standing said: "This is the biggest game of our season without a doubt.

"If we're going to start pushing on then today is the time when we've got to do it. We haven't beaten any of the bottom sides and we have to put that record straight against Stoke."

The bottom three have all beaten the Bantams, including today's visitors, who won 2-1 at the Britannia Stadium on August 17. City's only success against any of the four teams below them was the 0-0 home draw with Grimsby a week later.

Standing said: "When you look at those results you can see why we are struggling. It is a shocking record.

"Just think if we had taken 12 points from those games we would be in the top half of the table now and not having to worry.

"But when you aren't beating the teams that you should be, then you are going to be in trouble.

"This is a big Christmas for us with Stoke today and then Grimsby next week. If we can get the results that we should, then we can pull right out of trouble."

City are only two points clear of New Year's Day opponents Grimsby and five from Stoke. But confidence is high in the camp despite the shattering blow of Watford's late penalty win at the weekend.

Standing said: "It was a shame because without playing particularly well we didn't give them many chances. I thought we were going to see it through without any late scares but the referee crumbled under pressure and cost us the game.

"Going into the Stoke match with four points from the last two would have been a huge lift for everyone. But it just makes today even more massive for us, if that's possible.

"If we can beat Stoke then we've got six points from a possible nine and being at home will be a big help.

"The crowd were magnificent against Nottingham Forest and really got behind us. We responded to that with a good performance.

"Hopefully we can get the place the same and get after Stoke from the first minute."

Gus Uhlenbeek is available again after missing the last three games through suspension.