John Coleman says his squad are ‘bouncing’ as they travel to take on unbeaten League One leaders Ipswich Town on Saturday.
The Reds are up to sixth place with three wins and two losses so far this season, beating rivals Rochdale on Saturday, while the Tractorboys have four wins and one draw.
Ipswich have one of the league’s stand-out performers so far with Gwion Edwards chalking up four goals and two assists.
Former Reds striker Kayden Jackson, linked with a move to Birmingham, has been struggling with a groin injury this season.
“We know it will be a tough game but we go there full of confidence,” said Coleman. “We have worked really hard in training in the last two or three weeks and the atmosphere is good at the club, the place is bouncing.
“Wins work wonders for your confidence, we have a high tempo in training and it’s a good place to be.
“It is early days and I do not think you can judge anyone after five games but everyone does look at the league table and Ipswich have had a good start. I think you can only tell after 10/12 games when things start to settle down.
“We know they have good players but we know we have good players, we can give anyone a game in this league and we will be going there to win.”
Stanley lost 4-1 at Portman Road in January while winning the reverse fixture at the Wham Stadium in October last year.
“We played poorly at their place and they played well,” continued Coleman. “I am hoping that is fresh in the minds of our players.
“If you rewind to the game at our place, we were more than value for the 2-0 win.
“We were excellent on the day, it was live on Sky and we bossed it from start to finish so we have to remember that as well.”
Coleman has some big decisions to make as players put themselves in contention for a start.
This is especially in the goalkeeping department where Chelsea loan keeper Nathan Baxter is battling with Toby Savin for the No. 1 spot.
“Nathan’s attitude is unbelievable,” said Coleman. “He has been first class since he has come in and conducts himself really well.
“He will push Toby all the way and that’s what we want.”
Striker Dion Charles sits out the last game of his three-match suspension while Sean McConville (Achilles) and Mo Sangare (ankle) are now close to a return.
“It does give me a headache but it’s one you want to have. We have a strong squad and good competition for places.
“Our job is just to try and get as many wins as possible. We haven’t set any targets, we won’t get too high or too low, we just want to win games.”