The Mariners, fresh from their sensational Carabao Cup win over Manchester United, head to the University of Bradford Stadium for the first group game in the Vertu Trophy.
It will be a contrast to the fervent atmosphere that witnessed Artell’s side triumph in last week’s penalty shoot-out.
But he sees it as a good early test for a team hoping to follow City’s example and be up among the promotion contenders this season.
“Bradford have always been a tough outfit, the size of the club, size of the budget,” he told club media. “It’s always going to be a challenge whatever league they are in.
“That’s been proven in League Two and now in League One. They’ve got some really good players, so it will be interesting to see how the night unfolds.
“If it was a league game we’d sell out the away end but any support is greatly appreciated.”
Grimsby suffered their first defeat of the season at Bristol Rovers at the weekend – an unsurprising setback after the amount they put in against United three days earlier.
Artell, like Graham Alexander, will make changes to his starting line-up this evening.
“Any manager who says it’s as important as the league is lying. Every manager I’ve spoken to definitely doesn’t say that.
“But then there are benefits to it. I don’t know if the prize money comes into it but for us it’s a great opportunity to reinforce principles and what we’re trying to get from certain players.
“It’s a great opportunity to play players who might not have played as many minutes and rest one or two. I think every manager at this stage will think the same.
“Yes, we want to win and it will be extremely tough. Bradford have got a really good squad and are obviously a League One team now.”
