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James Crawley writes

Posted Thursday, September 27th 2018 @CrawleyJames92

'Chance to bounce back in front of bumper crowd' - McAllister

Thursday, September 27th 2018

City have the opportunity to get back to winning ways under the lights of Ashton Gate tomorrow (Friday, 8pm).

More than 23,000 fans will pack the Gate, with the match against Aston Villa close to a sell-out at the time of writing, and Jamie McAllister knows the influence a bouncing atmosphere can have on the players.

City head into their Sky Bet Championship encounter with the Villains off the back of consecutive away defeats, but remain just four points off the top two as the table stands.

Preparations for the Friday night fixture have gone well though, with McAllister explaining to BCTV how the squad have looked to learn their lessons.

He said: "Training has been good, we look bright and we’ve wanted a reaction from the players after the last couple of games but their attitude and application in training has been first class.

"I’ve heard it will be the biggest crowd of the season which is brilliant and it is always nice under the lights at Ashton Gate. The lads usually put on a performance so hopefully again we can do that to get the three points which will kick us on again."

WATCH: MCALLISTER PRE-ASTON VILLA (HOME)

The former left-back explained City will have to stand up against a Steve Bruce side with attacking threats, but he added the Robins will "take the game to Aston Villa"

"Steve Bruce’s side will be very organised, they are very structured in the way they play," he said.

"They have talent at the top end of the pitch in Tammy (Abraham) and (Jonathan) Kodjia with (Jack) Grealish who is also dangerous. We’re only four points off top so we want to try and close the gap again. It’s all about us tomorrow, we want a reaction, to perform and take the game to Aston Villa.

"We sit eighth so confidence is still high. We took a knock last week but we’ve focused on a reaction. We have taken a lesson from the last couple of games and we move on.

"We’re still a new group and it’s a learning curve but hopefully we will learn quick and the lads are looking forward to Friday night’s game."

The match will kick-off at 8pm, a change from the original 7.45pm time.

Click here for tickets