The Stockport boss got a good look at tonight’s opponents with his own side not having a game at the weekend.

And he thought the one-sided victory at Valley Parade was like the game between City and the Hatters early in the season.

Stockport bossed the first half that night but the Bantams rode the storm to grab a come-from-behind 2-1 win.

“You look at the last game against them,” said Challinor. “We had a mad 15-minute spell but the first half was probably the best performance we’ve had this season.

“But you have to be clinical and kill teams off – probably not too dissimilar to their game at the weekend.

“I saw their game against Peterborough and if that finishes five, I don’t think anyone complains about it. But they are only one up at half-time and the game’s still in the balance.

“That was very similar to us. We had a bad spell after the break against them, conceded two poor goals, but then dominated from that point on and couldn’t get ourselves back in it.

“There was the incident right at the end where we had a big chance that wasn’t taken.

“We know what we’re going into and we’re looking forward to what will be an important game.

“When you get to this time of the year and you’re playing a team around you, it always gives added incentive. They’ll be feeling exactly the same.”

Antoni Sarcevic scores in City’s 2-1 win at Stockport in August (Image: Thomas Gadd)

Stockport played on an awful surface at Port Vale in the Vertu Trophy last Tuesday and are braced for another heavy pitch given the run of wet weather and quick turnaround since City’s weekend win.

Challinor added: “The pitch will be tough on both teams and maybe won’t allow it to look like a game between two teams at the top of League One.

“But ultimately, it’s a contest and a challenge to produce a performance that can win.

“We know it will be a great atmosphere, obviously they are heavily backed at home and we’ll take a big load of our supporters there.

“We’ll go there with no fear. You’re pitting a team who have got a really good home record against a team that have got a really good away record.

“Both teams want to stay in the play-off positions as a minimum and try to kick on. It has everything to suggest it will be a really tough battle.”

Challinor still keeps in touch with Stockport promotion winners Ibou Touray and Antoni Sarcevic in the City ranks.

“Both did brilliantly for us and both were players we didn’t really want to lose,” he told the club media. “But as is always the case when players do well, they’ll get offers from elsewhere.

“Obviously Ibby came off on Saturday just after half-time, so potentially it means he’ll be a doubt for the game.

“Sarce probably thought a couple of weeks ago this game would come too soon for him. But he’s got back from a little niggle quicker than he thought.

“He’s always been a top player and a really big threat for them.

“We know what threats they bring but their team has other things around that which can cause issues. We’ve got to prepare for the best version of what they can chuck at us.”