City supporters deserve this game – Johnson

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