Go for it, boys

Carl Winchester: Will need to work hard to combat the ball-carrying skills of his opposite number, Luke Freeman.

ATHLETIC won’t change their usual attacking style tomorrow.

Manager Lee Johnson says there will be no shortage of respect for league pacesetters Bristol City, the only club yet to be beaten in 2014-15.

But with confidence after their own run of 13 matches without defeat, taking the game to the opposition is a given.

If Athletic manage to take three points against the Robins, Johnson says his side will be recognised as contenders near the top end of the division.

“They are a very good side with threats everywhere,” said Johnson. “But when the players are flying like ours are, it’s very difficult to change even if you wanted to.

“We go there to try to win the game. If we win, we make a statement to the league. We have been near the top of the form table for the last couple of months and just need to go that extra mile.

With Dominic Poleon in line to start tomorrow’s big game on the substitutes’ bench, Athletic haven’t a single player in the first XI who cost a fee — excluding captain Liam Kelly, whose move from Bristol City, with Korey Smith heading the other way, netted the club a healthy profit.

In contrast, opposition boss Steve Cotterill spent the summer dipping into a substantial pot of cash to bring in proven performers.

“We have the incentive to slay the dragon,” added Johnson. “It is very important that we do it for the division. We want to bring teams closer together. They have been absolutely flying and have had the funds to do it. As ever, it’s up to us to exploit their weaknesses.”