Bradford City boss Mark Hughes is preparing his side to face a Carlisle United team he feels are more “direct” than before.

The Bantams take on the Blues at Brunton Park today in a seventh v eighth showdown.

The two teams are neck-and-neck in the League Two play-off race.

And Hughes says he believes Paul Simpson’s hosts are solid competitors.

“They have got a good understanding of what’s required at this level,” said Hughes of Carlisle.

“Having looked at them just recently, they seem to go a little bit more direct than possibly they did initially.

“Maybe they feel best served doing that with the personnel they’ve got.

“It will be a challenge but every game in this league is. We have to be ready for it and make sure that the way we want to play is the dominant one in the game.”

Bradford return to action after 23 days without a game, following weather-enforced postponements.

They have not won at Brunton Park since 1985 ahead of today’s contest, which should see a good festive crowd at Carlisle’s ground.

“We have to impose ourselves on them,” Hughes added.

“At times, we’ll come under pressure but we’ve got to be able to manage those moments.”