There Will Be Changes - Johnson

Thursday, December 1st 2016

Lee Johnson has promised changes to his side this weekend in a bid to return to winning ways.

City host Ipswich Town at Ashton Gate on Saturday (3pm) on the back of one victory in their last eight matches.

The head coach, who revealed he has already picked his team, says sticking with the same line-up who started the recent defeats at Birmingham City and Reading is not an option.

“You have different thought processes on different games, but I think it’s been quite clear for me this week,” Johnson told Bristol City Player HD.

“We’ve got the option to make changes – that’s the beauty of the squad.

“I’ve had a look and there will be a couple of changes in there somewhere. There needs to be.

“Like Einstein said, the definition of insanity is to keep on doing the same thing and expect a different result!

“Sometimes you need to freshen things up, whether that’s a change of shape or personnel.”

Johnson was pleased to see summer signing Gustav Engvall on target for City’s Under-23 side, also against Ipswich, on Monday – the striker’s first goal for his new club.

“He showed he’s getting closer by coming on against Reading,” the boss added, after handing the Swede his league debut at the Madejski Stadium.

“He did okay in the Under-23s and scored a good goal, but I want to see a constant threat – not just from Gustav but from all of our strikers. I think that’s the key.

“We always work on our finishing, but it’s not just that – it’s the timing of the runs, it’s the delivery and what areas you want the ball played into.

“We had 24 shots against Reading, which is a decent tally. We can’t be far off sticking a couple of those in.

“Whether that’s down to a bit of luck, a little bit more work being needed or a little bit more confidence from the players in front of goal, we’ll try to encourage all of those elements.”

Johnson has a fully-fit squad at his disposal as City return to Ashton Gate for the first time in 28 days on Saturday.

Tickets for the game remain on general sale, with a crowd in excess of 18,000 anticipated. To secure your seat, buy online or call 0117 963 0600.