John Coleman is expecting a physical test for his side when Port Vale visit the Wham Stadium tomorrow afternoon.
Vale travel to East Lancashire sitting 18th in Sky Bet League Two but have enjoyed an upturn in fortunes since the two sides last met in September.
Stanley won that one 2-1 to see the Valiants slip second bottom, but a chance of manager followed and they have been on the end of some eye catching results since Neil Aspin's arrival.
"They will provide us with a tough test," said Coleman. "Like a lot of teams in this league, they look to get the ball forward to a big man up front and play off him, it's very effective.
"They've got Tom Pope up there who is a goalscorer and a physical presence, but they have also got some good players up and around him, you've always got to be on your game to deal with a threat like that.
"We have to try and make it harder for Port Vale than they will for us, but that's not a given, they're a big club and a good side, they will have a big following backing them here, it should be a good game."
Aspin has won 10 of his 22 matches, since taking over in early October, and Coleman knows that his side will have to be at their best to come away with the three points tomorrow.
"Neil Aspin along with his coaching staff, have turned their fortunes around since our last meeting in September," he said. "One of them, Gary Brabin, myself and Jimmy know very well.
"They've had a great result a couple of weeks back, beating Luton 4-0, and they will be looking to come here and pick up another big result, we know we have to be at our best and we'll try to do that."