LUKE Williams is expecting a ‘battle of wills’ at Valley Parade when his Swindon Town side attempt to pull off a feat that no-one has been able to accomplish all season this afternoon.

Town’s latest daunting assignment in their bid to claw themselves to safety sees them go to a Bradford City team that haven’t been beaten at home since the first leg of their League One play-off semi-final showdown with Millwall on May 15.

Williams believes his troops’ need for a victory may be even more desperate than that of the Bantams, who are three points off the automatic promotion places, but is anticipating that something of a shoot-out could be in store, given both teams’ offensive inclination.

“I think, certainly, Bradford are not going to be overly worried about us, I don’t think,” said the Swindon head coach.

“I’m sure they’ll do their due diligence but I should think they’ll set their stall out to come and attack us.

“Last season, the team was strong as well and they bombarded us in the early stages, and we couldn’t breathe.

“They had real intensity and a bit of everything. They had pace and power, and they had some real know-how and ability in there.

“This group is even better, so we can expect a furious attacking team, especially in the opening minutes of the game.

“We, of course, need points, probably even more so than they do, and we need to attack as well, so I would expect end-to-end if both teams are able to get out.

“Both teams will be looking to attack I think, and it will be a battle of wills.

“They’re there for the right reason – because they’re a very good team.”

Although Town will set their stall out to attack Bradford, Williams does believe his team need to learn to adopt some defensive solidarity at the right times.

He added: “The only thing tactically that maybe is a difference at this moment is that we need to think more about being able to defend a lead, as opposed to trying to make the game out of reach.

“I think there may be moments in games where we need to protect a lead and put everybody behind the ball, and just try to make it impossible for the opposition to get back on terms with us.

“To start a game defensively, or to start slow or not on the front foot, is suicide, so we absolutely need to attack from beginning.”