MATCH FACTS

THE OPPOSITION

Bristol is the largest city in England never to have seen Premier League football but The Robins, under Lee Johnson, have ambitions to pass on that mantle to Wakefield after an impressive start to the campaign.

Last season, City took the Play-Off race down to the final day and they signalled their intent to go at least one better this time round with a host of summer acquisitions. Daniel Bentley arrived in the West Country after three years at Griffin Park and he was joined by Jay Dasilva, Tomas Kalas, Kasey Palmer [all Chelsea], Sammie Szmodics, Rene Gilmartin [both Colchester United], Han-Noah Massengo [Monaco], Ashley Williams [Everton], Tommy Rowe [Doncaster Rovers], and Adam Nagy [Bologna].

City started slowly, following up an opening day defeat at home to Leeds United with a pair of draws, but since then they've found stride. Johnson's side reeled off four wins from five before the international break and arrive at Griffin Park unbeaten in nine in all competitions and without an away loss since late April. On Saturday they shared six goals with Preston North End at Deepdale, their five away games this term seeing a Championship high 18 goals.

THE MANAGER

Following a challenging 2016/17 campaign which saw Bristol City battle against the drop, The Robins’ transformation over the past two campaigns has seen Lee Johnson’s stock on the rise. Johnson, who enjoyed a 472 game professional career in the lower leagues, is the Championship's second longest serving manager and has guided City to two top-half finishes and a League Cup semi-final in the past two seasons.

The youngest boss in the Football League when he accepted the managerial position at Oldham Athletic in 2013, Lee Johnson’s good work at Boundary Park soon caught the attention of clubs higher up the pyramid.

It was Barnsley who made a move for him in February 2015, appointing the now-36-year-old as Head Coach to replace Danny Wilson. Johnson guided Barnsley away from the relegation zone, ultimately achieving a top-half finish in League One. His last game in charge of the Tykes saw them book a place at Wembley in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy. The team Johnson left behind went on to win at Wembley twice – getting their hands on the JPT, but also securing promotion via the League One Play-Offs.

TEAM NEWS

As was the case for the visit to Barnsley on Sunday, Thomas Frank has a fully-fit squad, barring the injured defensive pair of Mads Bech Sorensen and Luka Racic.

Bristol City are in the midst of an injury-crisis with Benik Afobe's ACL injury ending his season. Club record signing Tomas Kalas is likely to miss out tonight, as could midfielder Adam Nagy, while club captain Bailey Wright returned to the matchday squad on Saturday after seven weeks out. Jay Dasilva, Korey Smith, and Saikou Janneh are unlikely to see a football pitch again this year due to long-term injuries.

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🆚 Hot off the Press: Gregor MacGregor looks ahead to the action⚖ Ref Watch: Oliver Langford takes charge

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HOW TO FOLLOW

iFollow Brentford will be live from 7.15pm with Mark Burridge, Mick Cabble, and Kat Mills bringing commentary of game against City.

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Tonight's game will also be available via the red button on Sky Sports Football.

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