Prove the table does not lie - that's the derby-day plea from Colin Todd to City.

Todd doesn't buy the popular notion that form counts for nothing on such a highly-charged occasion.

And he wants to see City stamp their early-season authority on Huddersfield tomorrow with another Valley Parade victory.

"It's better to be going into a derby game with the form that we have than being a little bit hit and miss," said Todd.

"People say that form goes out the window in games like these but I'd rather have that confidence which comes from having a few wins - and I want that to continue.

"There's a lot at stake but the real incentive for us is to win our next game and stay up there in the league. Our performances have been very good overall but that's history now and we've got to keep trying to improve."

Fourth-placed City are four points better off than at the same stage last season and currently lead neighbours Huddersfield by seven. They are also unbeaten in six home games, winning four of them.

Todd said: "Our performances have dictated where we should be. Even when we lost games at Brentford and Swansea, we played well enough to get something from them.

"We are up there on merit but we have to keep turning the screw. We're in good heart and playing well enough to do that.

"Huddersfield will look at this as the game to kick-start their season but we're not concerned about that. There is no fear factor here and confidence couldn't be any higher."

Jermaine Johnson's hamstring injury means a first start of the campaign for Joe Colbeck but Todd is backing the teenager to rise to the occasion.

"It's unfortunate we have to make a change, because our midfield has been excellent, but Joe is learning with each game and I'm sure he can do the job to the best of his ability," said Todd.

"From one right through to 11, every player has been performing to their best and we have to continue that.

"The next game is a big one in more ways than one and I know we're playing well enough to get another good result." Eddie Johnson will be on the bench again after being taken off in the reserves in midweek as a precaution. Todd said: "It was always the plan for Eddie to come off early. He has little complaints about the ankle when it takes a knock but it is not a problem." Huddersfield have been allocated the whole of the Yorkshire First Stand, as well as the TL Dallas Stand. City are advising fans to get to Valley Parade early to avoid big queues.