Bantams working to get surface to meet the cut

Valley Parade's pitch is in less than good nick

Bradford City have been working hard to repair their bare Valley Parade pitch this week and it could prove a factor in Phil Parkinson's men building on their famous win at Stamford Bridge with another top-flight scalp.

The much maligned playing surface however is being seen to potentially give the Bantams a home advantage - with some bookies even having them as low as 2/1 to beat the Premier League side.

Sunderland manager, Gus Poyet, is reportedly even made his team undertake special training to cope with the conditions.

Co-Chairman, Mark Lawn, says that his side should be wary as he believes Sunderland's form is better away from home:

Given Parkinson's side's three-match unbeaten run in the wake of the win at Chelsea, contrasting with Sunderland's plunge back into trouble after a dismal midweek home loss to QPR, there are some who would not count another win for the League One side as a major surprise.

Ben Williams (left) says his side are still underdogs Credit: Press Association

But having experienced both ends of the playing scale goalkeeper Ben Williams is anxious to play down any suggestions that Bradford go into the game on Sunday as anything other than significant underdogs.

Whatever the state of the pitch come Sunday the prize remains the same. Phil Parkinson and his men have their eyes firmly set on a first FA Cup quarter final in 39 years.

Watch: ITV Calendar's Chris Dawkes' full report: