Millwall v Bradford: City get chance to see how they measure up

The Bantams took a point off Wigan Athletic last weekend and host Blackpool in a rearranged fixture on Tuesday night.

Today’s trip to South London, therefore, is one that Parkinson – who saw the Lions beat Doncaster Rovers thanks to a brace of goals from Steve Morison on Tuesday night – appreciates will provide a stern test.

“Our away form in general has been good so far this season but I think this will probably be our toughest challenge to date,” said Parkinson.

“We have been pleased with the resilience and determination shown by the players in recent weeks, but we are going to need to take it up another step on Saturday.

“We are in a run of games against sides who came down from the Championship last season – Wigan, Millwall, Blackpool – and this little period will be a good benchmark for us.

“I am looking forward to seeing the players out there this weekend because the game will be a good indicator again as to the strength of the group.”

Parkinson will start James Hanson, who scored City’s equaliser against Wigan a week ago, despite the striker being likely to come in for some barracking over his collapsed move to Millwall last summer.

City drew 3-3 at The Den last January in an FA Cup third-round tie that Parkinson’s men won at a canter in the replay to earn their never-to-be-forgotten trip to Chelsea.

Millwall will be aiming to record a fourth successive League One win at The Den for the first time in five years.