Michael Duff was at Tuesday night opponents Bradford City's 3-0 defeat at Mansfield on Saturday and despite that result is fully expecting a tough challenge ahead at the Utilita Stadium on Tuesday.
The Bantams haven't won since New Year's Day but still remain in the play-off places just ahead of Cheltenham in League Two.
With no game on Saturday Duff was present at the One Call Stadium on a watching brief as Tuesday's opponents slipped to defeat to the Stags.
He is set to welcome back Luke Varney and Reuben Reid as contenders for Tuesday's squad, while Ryan Broom is also available after a recent hamstring problem.
"Bradford are having a bit of a difficult time at the minute but they've got the best home record in the league," Duff said.
"Four of their last five league games have been away from home so that may be why they've been having a bit more of a difficult time.
"They're still a good team. They've still got good players and a good manager who knows the level and got out of the league.
"There will be 12, 13, 14 or 15,000 there so we're under no illusions it's going to be a really hard game.
"They are still ultimately two points ahead of us in the league and right in the mix."
See the full press conference with Duff by watching above on iFollow.
Tickets and away travel for Tuesday's trip are on sale on Tuesday morning from the ticket office. The ticket office opens at 10am.