Let's Play Without Fear - Johnson

Friday, January 27th 2017

Lee Johnson hopes his City players will relish being underdogs in tomorrow’s Emirates FA Cup fourth round tie at top-flight Burnley (3pm kick-off).

The City head coach is well aware that a win is needed fast in the Sky Bet Championship, but attentions return to the cup this weekend.

All eight of Burnley’s Premier League wins this season have come at Turf Moor, prompting some bookies to quote 9/2 for an away win tomorrow.

Johnson told Bristol City Player HD: “I’m looking forward to going there and seeing if that release of pressure can help us play without fear.

“We’ll be the underdogs and it would be nice to play with a bit of freedom. We have to believe we can go there and beat Premier League opponents. Why not?

“We will give it our all to reach the next round of the FA Cup.

“Obviously you never know what will be in a certain manager’s mind about selection in the cup. Sean (Dyche, Burnley manager) will have own thoughts and perhaps he could give a chance to those who haven’t been playing in the Premier League.

“We’ll be ready for whatever they bring. They’re a good, energetic side who are very strong at home. It’ll be a good test for our young team.”

In the wake of City’s record eighth straight loss in the league, majority shareholder Steve Lansdown issued a rallying cry to all supporters, asking for everyone to “pull together”.

Johnson added: “It was a very good speech from Steve. He was very passionate, as always, and it was greatly appreciated.

“The message is clear and consistent: we all have to pull together and get ourselves out of the run we’re in.”

Zak Vyner is set to start, with Adam Matthews and Mark Little both ruled out through injury. They are joined on the sidelines by Korey Smith and Gary O’Neil. Lee Tomlin has been suffering with illness.

The match is all-ticket for visiting supporters.