Johnson Envisages Close Encounter

The Dons are only ahead of Johnson’s side on goal difference and, like City, are unbeaten in their last three matches.

Both sides are renowned for their attacking football, but City’s head coach envisages a tight affair.

“I don’t think it’ll be as open as people think,” he told Bristol City Player HD.

“They’ve slightly tweaked their style and become a lot more solid in the way they defend and they’ve got a position of strength in which they break off.

“At times they’ve found it tough this year but now they’re finding their feet just like us.

“It’ll be a good game because of the quality players and we’ll certainly be going to win.”

MK Dons have the attacking options of former City duo Nicky Maynard and Jay Emmanuel-Thomas at their disposal.

Maynard and Johnson were team-mates for four years between 2008 and 2012, while Emmanuel-Thomas left Ashton Gate at the end of last season.

“Nicky Maynard is a good lad and I know him very well,” Johnson said,

“He was a good finisher, a good mover and his centre of gravity was very good, but Injuries have killed him throughout his career.

“He’s gone to MK Dons and he’s trying to get a rhythm of playing regular football again, and when he does that everybody knows what he can do and he’s got the potential to score 20-odd goals in this division.”

Johnson added: “He (JET) is a great talent in the way he can manipulate the ball.

“He has a thunderous left foot, a long throw as well which is always a threat.

“He’s another one we’ll have to concentrate on because he might have an extra bit between his teeth because it’s against his former club.”