And you thought the Bantams had dropped off badly from last season?

Salford’s rise up the divisions since their well-publicised takeover from members of Manchester United’s ‘Class of ‘92’ stalled in League Two a while ago, but this season, without a couple of timely wins in late March, could have ended in a first relegation in the ‘Gary Neville era’.

Victories over Morecambe and Notts County in the space of a week meant they were looking at at least salvaging a mid-table finish, but a double dose of defeat over Easter was followed by a miserable loss at AFC Wimbledon last time out.

Not only did they lose 1-0 in the capital on Saturday, but in a fiery end to the game, Elliot Watt and Theo Vassell were both sent off meaning they sit out of tomorrow’s game.

Salford currently sit 20th, nine points clear of the drop and in a scenario where only a freak set of results will send them down, but it is some collapse after they reached the play-offs alongside the Bantams last season.

The presence of former Bantam Watt in Salford’s midfield might well have been the eye-catching story tomorrow, but given he will be watching from the stands, the real interest probably lies in who manager Karl Robinson selects up front.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Karl Robinson might have to try something different tomorrow, with Salford having lost all of their last three games.Karl Robinson might have to try something different tomorrow, with Salford having lost all of their last three games. (Image: PA.)

Target man Matt Smith has hit an impressive 23 league goals in Salford colours this season, 24 in all competitions, but Robinson has been known to bring him on as an impact substitute.

At Wimbledon for example, Conor McAleny and Callum Hendry started up front, both of whom offer a completely different style of forward play to Smith.

Graham Alexander, formerly in charge at Salford of course, admits he has no idea which way the hosts will go when it comes to their tactics up top, so he may have to adapt once the hosts reveal their team an hour before kick-off.

But however Salford set up, he will fancy his side to score, given tomorrow's hosts have gone 16 league games in a row without a clean sheet, which is currently the worst run in England's top four divisions.