Avenue will be going for the kill tonight, boss Trevor Storton has promised.

Visitors Accrington Stanley can expect a tough first leg of the UniBond League Cup final at the Horsfall Stadium, as the home side push for goals.

Despite fielding a weakened side, Bradford will be brimming with confidence following a devastating run of form that has seen them bag 13 goals in three games, and conceding just one in return.

"The lads will have confidence in themselves as we have had a decent run," said Storton after a positive final training session.

"We will be getting up and at 'em from the off and we will have to see what happens.

"A final is a final and I know that the lads are really going to put in a good performance."

Avenue will be missing suspended bad boy winger Dean Calcutt, as well as the unfortunate Micky Thompson - who suffered a bruised ankle when he trod in a rabbit hole while out walking his dog - and the cup-tied Dean Martin and keeper Joel Armstrong.

But Storton is hoping his replacements can give him the performance he is looking for.

"I'd like to think the lads coming in will feel they have something to prove," he added.

"The adrenaline will be flowing, and that sometimes can bring the players up a level.

"The lads will be playing for places for the league run-in and the second leg."

Ian Briggs, on-loan at Thackley, is being drafted in for a comeback and is determined to make up for missing most of the season due to work commitments.

"It is a privilege to be part of the set-up for the final," said the 23-year-old, who has not won a trophy since he was 15.

"I'm desperate to get a chance to perform out there and it is fantastic to be back in the squad.

"It is a real step-up from the football I have been playing recently at Thackley - it is the biggest game I have played since I was a junior."

Accrington, 2-1 victors in a league game here a month ago, will be looking for a repeat of that win.

"We are on a bit of a roll at the moment but so are Bradford," said boss John Coleman.

"They have come into a bit of form of late and that should make for a good match."

Paul Mullin looks likely to partner 21-goal hitman Simon Carden up front again as former Bury player Lutel James - with 24 this season - will sit out the second game of a three match suspension.

Expectations were high for Stanley to make a push for the Conference this season but now that has gone, picking up at least one piece of silverware is a must.

"I think the lads will all be relishing the chance to play in a cup final," added Coleman.

"They want to win something especially for the fans who have followed us through thick and thin.

"But we have got to remember it is only half-time after tonight."