There may be a division between local rivals Bradford Park Avenue and Guiseley but the pair are even further apart in terms of form, which will make tonight's clash in the UniBond League Cup mouthwatering.

Division One side Avenue are in the midst of an unbeaten run while Premier outfit Guiseley have lost three games on the spin.

The home side slumped out of the FA Trophy at the weekend but Avenue marched into the next round.

Cup football is notoriously difficult to predict and this meeting has so many sub-plots that it may be impossible to decipher.

New Guiseley manager Terry Dolan began his professional playing career with Avenue while the current management duo at Bradford's second club have both spent time at Guiseley.

Avenue signed centre back Chris Clarke from Guiseley and he made his debut in Saturday's 2-0 win over Solihull Borough. He is one of several former Guiseley men who will be returning to Nethermoor tonight.

Avenue's squad for the FA Trophy game contained six former Guiseley players and they are all in contention tonight.

Both managers have named big squads, possibly so as not to show their hand too early.

"We could have Neil Ross back from injury and all the lads have come through last Saturday without any fresh knocks," said Avenue boss Phil Sharpe.

"I'm sure all the players are looking forward to it, not just the ones who have played up at Nethermoor. The League Cup isn't our major priority but when you are on a little bit of a run you don't want it to end and with it being a derby tie it will add a bit of spice," added Sharpe.

His opposite number also proclaimed he was looking forward to the tie. Dolan said: "They are on a very good run - it might be the worst time to be facing them.

"They took Chris Clarke last week and I understand he is not the only ex-Guiseley player they have. They will know all about us, but I hope we are due a win."

Guiseley (from): Dickinson, Barnet, Hay, Sharp, Denton, Ellis, Sturdy, Dunning, Sanasy, Knight, Forrest, Wright, Collins, Lennon, Jackson, Larkin, Hall.

Avenue (from): Skiba, Jefferies, Robinson, Grayston, Wilson, Clarke, Shaw, Cooke, Redfearn, Parke, Longley, Flynn, Ross, Chattoe, Connor, Helliwell, McLaughlin, Greaves.

  • Avenue under-19s progressed to the quarter-final of the Alliance League Cup with a 1-0 win over Goole at Horsfall Stadium. Dave Pemberton scored the all-important goal after only five minutes.
  • FA Carlsberg Trophy third qualifying-round: Skelmersdale United v Farsley Celtic, Bradford Park Avenue v Nuneaton Borough. Ties to be played Saturday, November 25.