Bristol City have enjoyed an impressive start to the season and they could make a real statement by defeating Cardiff City on Friday.
Following an escape from the bottom three last season, Lee Johnson has overseen a structured strengthening at Ashton Gate over the summer and he is now reaping the rewards.
Bristol City are currently fifth in the Championship and only five points behind leaders Huddersfield Town after 11 games and their free-flowing football is beginning to turn heads.
The signing of Tammy Abraham on loan from Chelsea has been lauded as the signing of the season in the second tier and Lee Johnson is continuing to stake his claim as England’s next big young manager.
The Robins travel to Severniside rivals Cardiff City on Friday and they will be looking to get one over on their struggling cross-border neighbours in front of the Sky Sports cameras.
Cardiff have struggled this season and currently find themselves in 23rd but the appointment of Neil Warnock has upped the stakes, and indeed ticket sales for this one, especially with City fans’ bitter connection with the veteran boss.
Bristol City lost the last meeting between the two clubs with Cardiff taking a 2-0 win away from Ashton Gate.
However, this is more than just a derby for Johnson’s men, it is an opportunity to make a real statement of intent and to show the league that Bristol are not just riding on beginners’ luck.
The well-recruited summer signings mean Bristol are an impressive prospect this season and few involved with the club doubt their credentials as we near the quarter stage of the campaign.
A win on Friday night and the Robins may send a clear message to the rest of their Championship opponents that they are in the top six to stay.
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