United clash could be sign of the future

AS BRISTOL City prepare to take on Manchester United in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals on Wednesday night, the feeling is growing that there may be plenty more big nights heading their way in the near future.

Yesterday’s 2-1 home win against Nottingham Forest made it four straight wins in the Championship, cementing third place in the table. The Robins have won eight out of their last ten in all competitions and have momentum on their side.

As touched on in the interview with goalkeeper Frank Fielding on page three, a host of different players are chipping in with goals. It is a real team effort and manager Lee Johnson has clearly got a squad with everyone singing from the same hymn sheet.

But it’s not just in the league that City have shone this term. They have already dismissed three Premier League teams – Watford, Stoke and Crystal Palace – on their run to the Carabao Cup last eight.

Now they prepare to take on one of the game’s giants as Jose Mourinho brings his Red Devils to Ashton Gate. Of course, the Portuguese may decide to rest some of his stars but whatever side he picks should be a strong one.

It will give Johnson’s troops an idea of what they could face if they were to win promotion to the Premier League.

That may have seemed a million miles away when, as has been well documented, they were struggling this time last year and sliding down the Championship table at a rapid rate of knots.

Well done to the City hierarchy for sticking with Johnson and giving him the time to turn things round. Time has become a precious commodity in football these days.

But by backing their promising young manager in the dark days, they are now looking ahead to a bright future.

As the EFL’s last representative in the Carabao Cup, we wish them every success against United. It won’t be easy, but why can’t they pull off another shock?