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Adam Baker writes

Posted Wednesday, December 20th 2017 @AdamBakerBCFC

City supporters deserve this game – Johnson

Wednesday, December 20th 2017

Lee Johnson says City’s Carabao Cup quarter-final tie is one for the club’s supporters tonight (kick-off 8pm).

A sell-out crowd will witness the contest at Ashton Gate, with the game also being beamed live around the world.

Arguably City’s biggest cup game since Liverpool were ousted from the FA Cup in January 1994, the tie has captured the imagination of the entire city.

“I’ve been looking forward to this day for the fans,” the club’s head coach told BCTV.

“Our supporters deserve this. We had a bad run last year and it wasn’t much fun; it was more of a stress.

“This season has been more fun and this game epitomises that.”

PREDICTING THE OPPOSITION

Many media outlets have tried to predict the kind of line-up United will field in BS3, but Johnson hopes his opposite number will go strong.

“It’s dangerous to try and second guess the team Manchester United will select; you almost have to prepare for their first-choice side and go from there,” added Johnson.

“You want to play [against] their best team, there’s no doubting that. If you get a win, you want it to be the best possible win.

“I do believe we’ve got goals in us – it’s just about whether we’re able to do the basics against world-class players.

“We have to try and find a chink in their armour. Maybe if they do play a few players who haven’t featured for some time then it will be enough for us to get the foot in the door.”

EXCLUSIVE BCTV INTERVIEW

MAKE YOURSELF A HERO

Talking of that famous 1994 win at Anfield, goalscorer Brian Tinnion’s famous picture – decked in purple and lime – still adorns the walls of Ashton Gate.

Johnson added: “It’s difficult because going out on to the pitch you want the players to have the feeling that their mate could become a hero. They could provide the assist or the challenge for their mate.

“In reality, if we get a result then one of our players will become an icon and be remembered for years to come, dining off the moment like Brian Tinnion.”