Johnson Hints At Fresh Faces

The City head coach has made just two alterations in two out of his three matches since taking over, both of which were enforced by injury. 

City head to the City Ground on the back of a midweek defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion, and Johnson feels the congested fixture list could require fresh faces in the starting XI. 

“When you come up a division, the players are playing to their maximum to compete,” he told Bristol City Player HD. 

“It’s like being comfortable driving a car and all of a sudden I put them in a Formula One car. If I told you to race around with guys at that sort of level, it brings you out of your comfort zone. 

“You may get away with it once, maybe twice, but generally the third time in a week you still need to have that energy and full concentration. 

“So it’s important we really focus on what we’re about and give people their opportunity.” 

Forest have lost three of their four matches in the Sky Bet Championship, albeit after a 13-match unbeaten run. 

Manager Dougie Freedman is someone Johnson knows well, and City’s boss is certain their hosts’ recent form won’t affect their mood come kick-off. 

“I know Dougie well as he was on the same Pro Licence course with me in Scotland,” he said. 

“They’re a well-structured side with a lot of good players who are consistent at Championship level. 

“They’re in a reasonably confident mood but so are we. We’ve got to see Brighton as a blip, make sure we continue our pursuit of excellence to try and get the result we require.”