Both teams will be attempting to extend unbeaten runs of five matches in League Two when Bradford City host Stockport County on Friday.
Bradford were held 2-2 at home by Morecambe on Boxing Day, while Stockport shared the spoils away to Barrow with the same scoreline.
Match preview
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Having put together four consecutive victories ahead of hosting Morecambe, Bradford would have hugely fancied their chances of making it five wins in a row at Valley Parade on Boxing Day. However, they found themselves 2-0 down within the opening 18 minutes.
Goals from Clarke Oduor and Bradley Halliday after the break restored parity, but despite having 17 shots in total across the course of the encounter, Graham Alexander's side could not find the winner which they required to move within one point of the playoff positions.
Bradford have clearly hugely improved since appointing Alexander as their manager in early November, with the former Salford City boss inheriting a difficult situation after a period of stagnation under Mark Hughes.
That said, they were only beaten by Carlisle United after extra time in the playoff semi-final last season, so there is clearly plenty of quality at Alexander's disposal. But they will be in for the ultimate test at this level against Stockport.
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Stockport, of course, were only a penalty shootout away from returning to the third tier of English football, but Carlisle edged them at Wembley Stadium in May.
After enduring a slow opening period to the campaign, Dave Challinor's side have been imperious since, including putting together a club record 12 consecutive league victories between early September and mid-November to open up a healthy gap at the summit.
That winning run came to an end by losing away to Newport County last month, but they are unbeaten since with two wins and three draws. Like their forthcoming opponents, Challinor's side showed immense character to come from two goals down away to high-flying Barrow on Boxing Day.
However, their lead at the top of the table was cut to only four points by Wrexham, who have a game in hand, while Mansfield Town are five points behind with two games in hand. While automatic promotion will be the primary aim, winning the division would be a very tasty cherry on top, so the former long-throw specialist will be keen to see his side return to winning ways in Yorkshire.
Team News
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Braford will remain without Alex Pattison due to a hamstring strain. The midfielder missed out against Morecambe having felt a niggle after coming on as a late substitute against Doncaster Rovers in his side's previous game.
Jamie Walker may also be ruled out once again, with Alexander's only change likely to be handing Oduor a star after the 24-year-old made a decisive impact from the bench against Morecambe.
Stockport, meanwhile, will travel without Macauley Southam-Hales due to a muscle problem. The 27-year-old has not featured since his side's 1-1 draw against Morecambe three weeks ago.
Challinor admitted that his side were "miles off it" during the first half against Barrow, meaning that changes are likely. Nick Powell and Akil Wright will both expect to start after scoring crucial goals from the bench, while Paddy Madden could also come into the visitors' attack.
Bradford City possible starting lineup:
Lewis; Tomkinson, Platt, Kelly; Halliday, Smallwood, Gilliead, Richards; Oduor; Cook, Smith
Stockport County possible starting lineup:
Hinchiffe; Wright, Horsfall, Pye; Richardson, Croasdale, Camps, Touray; Powell; Madden, Wootton
We say: Bradford City 1-2 Stockport County
Stockport have only kept one clean sheet on the road this season, so Bradford will certainly fancy their chances of scoring at the very least. The hosts would likely settle for another point to extend their unbeaten run.
However, we expect the league leaders to build on their superb fight back against Barrow on Boxing Day, with the likes of Powell and Madden licking their lips if they receive starting berths as expected.
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Top tip
Brett Curtis
