Lee Johnson was tight-lipped ahead of his side’s EFL Cup fixture against Hull.
Bristol City manager Lee Johnson
Bristol City have not been this far in the League Cup since 1988/89. They reached the semi-finals on that occasion, and victory over Hull at Ashton Gate on Tuesday evening will get them to within just one match of repeating that feat.
These are exciting times in the red half of Bristol, with City challenging for the Championship play-offs as well as putting together a cup run.
Squad depth is key if they are to fight on all fronts but, when speaking to the club’s official website, manager Lee Johnson was coy about which players may get an opportunity to impress against the Tigers.
Bristol City’s Luke Freeman in action
“It’s an important game for us and we do trust the squad – I see all of our players as first team players,” Johnson said.
“Sometimes it’s horses for courses and sometimes it’s about giving someone a go who deserves it,” he continued. “Tomorrow will be no different, but it’s a game we want to win.”
One player who certainly won’t be featuring is midfielder Luke Freeman, who rolled his ankle in Saturday’s 1-0 win over Blackburn Rovers.
Bristol City’s Jamie Paterson in action
Jamie Paterson is another who will miss out, as the winger is cup tied having already appeared in the competition this season for Nottingham Forest.
There could be a return on the cards for Bobby Reid, who missed the Blackburn match with a dead leg, while Korey Smith will be looking to stay in the team after making his first start of the season on Saturday.
Tammy Abraham has been City’s key man in the competition so far, netting the winner in each of their EFL Cup wins so far. The striker will be out to prove he can hold his own against Premier League opposition.
Bristol City’s Tammy Abraham celebrates
This evening represents a good chance for Bristol City to progress. Hull are on the slide after an impressive start and are likely to rest first-team players with an eye on improving their league form.
Reduced ticket prices should see a good crowd pass through the Ashton Gate turnstiles to see if the hosts can keep their impressive cup run going.
Who do you think will win at Ashton Gate? Leave your predictions below.
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