Manager Simon Grayson is looking forward to a tasty affair when Lancastrian Phil Parkinson brings his West Yorkshire side to face a Yorskhireman in charge of a Lancashire side!
Chorley-born Phil Parkinson brings the high-flying Bantams to Deepdale in what is probably the League One game of the night on Tuesday, with fourth versus fifth.
And the North End boss is expecting a stern test for his side who go into the game full of confidence after Saturday’s excellent 2-1 win over Peter Taylor’s Gillingham at Priestfield.
“It’s a good test tomorrow night, with a great atmosphere,” said the gaffer. “They will bring a big support over and we will have a good crowd as well, so it is two sides at the right end of the table.
“They have some good players; experienced players and have kept the momentum going from last year’s promotion. They will be looking to try and get back to winning ways after a couple of defeats.
“They’ve been without Nahki Wells for a couple of weeks, who is a major threat, but they have Hanson who is a good player and have some experienced players in the middle of the pitch and they are up there in the league for good reason.”
There is expected to be 3,000 travelling Bantams fans and with the North End faithful in full voice so far this season is should make for a crackling clash between two sides split by one place and the Pennines!
For PNE it is their first midweek league game at Deepdale and the manager is hoping to try and build some momentum with another positive performance.
“If you can win two or three games back-to-back it can keep you in the top positions and even move you further up.
“If we can get another three points it will give us an opportunity to push on for the rest of the month.”
With a long trip to Gillingham and a quick turnaround, the key for the Lilywhites is recovery, but with preparations helped by the owner, Simon admits he will have a few decisions to make before naming his team.
“We’ve been fortunate that Mr Hemmings funded a flight back for us after the game, which we are very grateful for,” he continued. “The recovery started straight away after the weekend and will continue with our preparations.
“It has all the hallmarks of being a good game; a Roses battle and fanatical support from both parts.
“All the players came through the game fine, although it was a demanding game. We changed it around a bit on Saturday with the extra midfielder, but we will have some serious considerations to make before we select the team on Tuesday.
“We have to ask ourselves if certain players can play Saturday-Tuesday-Saturday, but we have good options and plenty to think about before we name the team.”