‘Goals give us belief’ – Paterson

The Robins travel to Elland Road off the back of Wednesday’s 3-2 win over Derby County – their sixth league win from their last eight matches.

Three goals – firsts for Nahki Wells and Filip Benković before Famara Diédhiou added the third – put City on course for a comfortable midweek win, though they would have to show determination and fight to hold out for the points when Derby struck with two goals of their own.

“Yes, it was a hard-fought win against Derby,” Paterson said. “Obviously, it was a difficult game towards the end, we were 3-0 up and then they got two goals from nothing really. It was a nervy end but a good win in the end and we go to Leeds United on Saturday and it’s set up for a good game.”

But it was City’s ability to put the Rams to the sword with three goals, something which had been discussed behind the scenes after a recent run of 1-0 scorelines.

Paterson continued: “We scored three good goals. We haven’t scored many goals in the past few games so it’s one thing we have been discussing. I think we implemented that in our game the other day and with Nahki Wells signing as well, he brings more goals into the team and that poacher and he showed that the other day. It gives us that belief that when we’re on top, we’re going to score and that’s key really - when you’re on top to put it in the back of the net.”

And it gives City the extra belief as they travel to Elland Road, seeking their first win on Leeds soil since 1979.

But as Pato says, records are there to be broken.

“It’s been well documented we’ve had bad form against them (Leeds) but records are there to be broken and we go there with belief of getting them three points and we’ll be going there to try and win the game,” he said.

“Leeds haven’t been on a great run but obviously everyone knows their qualities, that they’re a great side and they’re not up there for nothing. They’ve been up there for two or three years now and they will be disappointed they haven’t gone up in the top two in the last few years but they’re always a tough team to play against and we’re looking to go there and really implement our game. I’m sure they will know they are in for a tough game as well.”