PUNTERS preferring to give the delights of an early Christmas shopping trip the widest possible berth tomorrow have much on which to focus their attention.

City’s recent record against Southend has been impressive, as the match stats team at bettingexpert.com remind us.

Since losing to the Shrimpers in 2011, the Bantams have won four and drawn three of the pair’s subsequent seven league duels.

Not surprisingly then, they kick off as 6-5 favourites (Betway) to secure a maximum haul, whereas Southend open as Marathonbet’s 11-4 outsiders.

There’s every reason to believe City will keep the pressure on Scunthorpe with a fifth away victory and punters can get 6-1 (Paddy Power) against them winning 1-0; the likelihood of a 2-0 away success is rated a 9-1 shot by Betfred.

Elsewhere, BetVictor’s 7-4 for the Bantams to hold a lead at the end of the first period has found favour among punters, many of whom have doubled up on bet365’s 10-3 for the opening half to finish with them 1-0 in front.

Skybet’s 13-5 for the fixture to end in a draw could offer useful insurance, while Paddy Power’s 5-2 for City to beat Phil Brown’s side by a single goal has proved popular for those avoiding a correct score.

Odds by www.smartbets.com, the customisable odds comparison site.