MANSFIELD were tipped for another promotion push after last year’s play-off exit.

Having finished fourth, the Stags were aiming to go one better – but the current campaign has not unfolded anything like that.

Instead, they face the nightmare prospect of being dragged into the relegation dogfight after winning only once in their last 12 games.

That run included the 2-0 loss at Valley Parade on December 29 and they head into the quickfire return fixture on the back of three straight defeats.

That has left Graham Coughlan’s side just five points above the drop zone with games against fellow strugglers Oldham, Carlisle and Morecambe to follow immediately after the Bantams.

Mansfield’s struggles are based on an horrendous home record. They have won just twice at Field Mill while being beaten there eight times.

Only Morecambe have conceded more goals in League Two – a complete contrast to last season when the same defensive unit was the division’s tightest.

Coughlan has been trying to build up fitness levels since his arrival at the club just before Christmas.

The squad have faced triple training sessions on certain days to acclimatise to the high pressing game he wants to instil.

Top scorer Nicky Maynard said: “It has been needed. I don't think the lads have fobbed it off for the last six months but we just do as we are told.

“Maybe some of us might have said what we're doing is not enough, but the gaffer has come in and changed things. It's a lot different to how it was.

“It’s been a shock to the system. The lads have bought into it really well and it can only get better."

Coughlan brought in Everton midfielder Harry Charsley last week and he could well start after coming off the bench late on at Plymouth.