Bradford Park Avenue and Farsley Celtic are preparing for their third meeting in as many weeks tonight and both managers are aware of the importance of the derby clash.

The UniBond Premier Division rivals are locked in mid-table with 15 points apiece following Saturday's results.

The Celts have won the reverse fixture and the FA Cup tie but Avenue are hitting good form.

"The first two games were close despite the results and I think if we had taken our chances we would have won both," said Avenue boss Gary Brook.

"We had a good win at Witton on Saturday that took us level with Farsley and at this stage of the season I am happy to be on terms with the pre-season title favourites.

"We have had a catalogue of injuries which has led to a very unsettled side.

"I'm able to name a 16-man squad for tonight and I think that is the first time this season I've had 16 first-team players fit. It will be another tough game against them, we know that, but the lads are up for it."

Saturday's eventful match at Witton ended in victory but could have come at a cost. Greg Challender is doubtful for tonight due to a swollen face and cuts to the inside of his mouth following an incident in the tunnel as the teams left the pitch at half-time.

Brook still has seven on the treatment table but has boosted his squad with the signing of forward Steve Smith from Conference North outfit Stalybridge Celtic last Monday. Smith could make his Avenue debut from the bench tonight.

"This is the third part of the trilogy and we will approach the game the same way as we have the other two," said Celts manager Lee Sinnott.

"I have told the players that the other two results will count for nothing, if anything it will be even harder for us this time. The law of averages doesn't exist in football, it is all about what you do on the day."

Farsley go into the game on the back of a 4-2 home defeat to Burscough and the players will have Sinnott's displeasure ringing in their ears.

"We only got the two late goals because Burscough took their foot off the pedal. Our display was that bad and I won't stomach that again," said Sinnott.

"The players know that I was not happy, that is all that needs to be said publicly. We are expecting a testing game. Avenue have beaten Blyth and Witton since we beat them in the cup. We have no new injury worries but I will be picking from a big squad."

Park Avenue (from): Parry, Quinn, Newton, Benn, Siddall, Agus, Challender, Dunne, Walsh, Greaves, Hadland, Calcutt, Smith, P Naylor, Couborough, G Naylor.

Farsley Celtic (from): Cuss, Morgan (gk), Stabb, Dyson, Dugdale, Crossley, Serrant, Pemberton, Rickers, Duxbury, Shields, Knowles, Bambrook, Rowe, Bernard, Bett, Jackson, Smith, Macquarrie.