MARK Hughes predicts City’s clash with Mansfield will be a “good advert for League Two.”

Saturday’s visit to last season’s beaten play-off finalists promises to be an early test for the Bantams’ promotion credentials.

Nigel Clough’s Stags are currently one place above them in seventh and have won all their home games.

Hughes said: “They are a good team and we knew this period would be testing physically as well as tactically. We’ve got to be ready for that.

“We were pleased with the result last weekend, although the performance wasn’t quite where we wanted it to be.

“Mansfield have been together as a good strong group at this level for a long time. They’ve got a good manager as well in Nigel Clough who understands the league, so it’s always a big test.

“The consensus is that Mansfield will be one of the teams who will challenge this year and I’m not against that idea. I think it’s probably correct.

“It’s still early days, clearly, but when you come up against good opposition, you can see where you sit.

“I think it will be a great game, a good advert for League Two and we’re going to have a huge following, as we always do and we’re always grateful for.”

Mansfield won 2-0 at Valley Parade in February in City’s first game under Hughes. It was also the first time he had faced Clough as a manager.

“He’s got a great football pedigree, obviously his family line is steeped in football.

“He’s carrying on that legacy and has done really well at every club he’s been at. He’s always had an impact and is very respected at this level.”