Gary Johnson says City will respect Southampton tomorrow - but not fear them.

The City manager's table-toppers travel to the South Coast for their first of five remaining Championship matches.

FREE: Gary Johnson's pre-match press conference
WORLD TV: Gary Johnson exclusive interview

Southampton occupy the relegation zone and will be fighting for their lives in front of a 24,000-plus crowd at St.Mary's.

And with Hull, West Brom and Stoke all without a game this weekend - City will be looking to capitalise and open up a four point gap at the top of the table.

Gary told Bristol City World: "We always respect the opposition but it is right to say we have no need to fear Southampton.

"Over the season we've lost fewer games than anyone bar Stoke; our away record is one of the best and we can improve that with victory tomorrow.

"We must be bold. Now is the time for teams to be bold and do whatever is required to return with all three points."

City will have a sell-out away end full of 3,200 supporters at St.Mary's.

And the City boss said: "They will be really important for us and we could have had double that amount of fans there if it were possible.

"Where away fans are positioned at St.Mary's, they can make one hell of an atmosphere.

"They (the fans) always give us 100 per cent and hopefully the boys will respond on the day."

City will give late fitness checks to a few players before naming the starting eleven to face the Saints.

Watch an exclusive video interview with the City manager now on Bristol City World - which will also provide full exclusively live online commentary tomorrow from St.Mary's from just before 3pm. Sign-up now for £3.99 a month, or £9.99 until August - full details here.