Robins enjoy Dubai heat in build-up to Sunderland clash
Bristol City have been preparing for Saturday’s visit of Sunderland with a warm- weather training camp in Dubai.
The Robins were due back today after a five-day trip aimed at recharging their batteries.
The players have been undergoing an intensive week of training with boss Lee Johnson hoping the trip can help spur the squad back to the heights of their earlier season form.
Bristol City won nine games in 11 from the end of October to the end of December – plus their Carabao Cup run – but their Championship form has stuttered of late, winning only one of their last five.
Despite their poor form, the Robins are still in the playoff picture, currently sixth, three points ahead of Preston.
Sunderland, meanwhile, have only managed one win in their last five league games and remain deep in trouble.
Cats boss Chris Coleman believes new signings Ashley Fletcher, Lee Camp and Ovie Ejaria will make a big impact, having made their debuts in the home defeat to Ipswich.
Coleman said: “There’s a lot of new faces and they’ll find their feet and be fine – along with the lads that have been here a long time – but the good thing for the new boys is they’ve had a home game and made their debuts.
“We know it’s tough here at the Stadium of Light and we’ve found it tough to get results, so it was a baptism of fire if you like, but they’ll be better for that.”