Johnson’s plotting a Gatecrash

LEE JOHNSON claims Bristol City have Pep Guardiola’s men on the “back foot” as they battle for a place at Wembley.

The Robins boss (above with Guardiola) believes Manchester City expected to have the semi-final in the bag after fielding a strong team in the first leg.

But his Championship battlers lost only to a lastgasp Sergio Aguero strike. And they are ready to again throw everything at the Premier League leaders at Ashton Gate in an atmosphere he says will shock the visitors.

Johnson, whose side have knocked out four top-flight teams including Manchester United on their run to the last four, said: “The quality of players City put out in the first leg . . that side pumps Premier League sides by four and five. It may have been in the thought process if they could get it 90% of the way there then it might be easier to make a few changes in the second leg.

“That’s where we’ve put them on the back foot. And if we can get a couple of opportunities early we will really whip the stadium up.

“I know when the players step out and see the fans – who are unbelievable when we are the underdog – waving flags, it will be a great night.

“I hope the fans sing their hearts out and make it a different environment to what the Manchester City players are used to. The dimensions of the pitch are quite tight and hopefully the atmosphere benefits us.

“This ground is on top of you, everyone is in close proximity to the pitch.”