ALL you need to know ahead of Bradford (Park Avenue)'s Vanarama National League North match with Southport.

Kick-off: Tuesday, November 17 (7.45pm)

Venue: Horsfall Stadium

Odds: Bradford 21/10, Southport 1/1, Draw 5/2

Opponent profile

Sandgrounders legend Liam Watson is into his third spell at Haig Avenue to the supporters delight after claiming a couple of Step Two titles at the club in the past.

The 50-year-old took up the hotseat off the back of Port's relegation from the Vanarama National League in 2017.

They are now a solid National League North outfit but have lofty ambitions to return to non-league's promise land.

Current positions: 11th v 4th

Form guide

Remarkably, Avenue are on their best run, unbeaten in four, since March 2019 when they stumbled into the playoffs.

Eight points from a possible 18 represents a solid beginning to the season especially considering the level of opposition that is now out of the way.

The visitors got off to a flyer hitting the playoffs in style early on and were firmly targeting leaders Gloucester City.

But consecutive defeats to fellow chasers York City and Spennymoor Town has put a bit of a damper on that start.

Team news

Adam Nowakowski may return to the starting XI after coming off the bench at Gloucester.

While the game is set to come too early for the likes of Oli Johnson, Luca Havern, Brad Dockerty and Tabish Hussain.

In and out winger Dylan Vassallo is the Yellows top scorer, netting twice so far.

Watson will be expecting Jordan McFarlane-Archer and Marcus Carver to step up more in the goals department.

Possible line-ups

Avenue

GK Dan Atkinson, RB Jordan Windass, CB Mitch Lund, CB Mark Ross, LB Harry Boyes, CM Nicky Clee (C), CM Ryan Toulson CM Isaac Marriott, RW Jake Hibbs, ST Adam Nowakowski, LW Lewis Knight.

Subs: Will Huffer, Luke Lyons, Matty Downing, Omar Sanyang, Jamie Lyons.

Southport

GK Dan Hanford, RB Matty Challoner CB Mo Ali, CB Jack Doyle, LB Adam Anson, CM Charlie Oliver (C), CM David Morgan (C), CM Russell Benjamin, RW Dylan Vassallo, ST Jordan McFarlane-Archer, LW Marcus Carver.

Subs: Tony McMillan, Dean Winnard, Jack Bainbridge, Connor Woods, Niall Watson.

Battle to watch: Hibbs v Morgan

The 24-year-old midfielder has been relentless in his work rate this term, and is now adding goals to his game in his new role.

On the right hand side, Hibbs has the license to go forward, bagging two goals in as many games.

Port's captain will be his usual combative self getting up and down the pitch.

It is important the hosts can contain Morgan before he is allowed to dictate what happens in the middle of the park.

Last meeting

The pair were able to play each other twice in 2019/20 with Southport gaining four points.

Back in October, a convincing 3-0 win at Horsfall was achieved by the away side in Bower's third game into his return.

It was a lot more competitive in the reverse fixture with former players Tom Clare and Billy Priestley, adding to Lewis Knight's opener in a thrilling 3-3 draw.