Bristol City boss Lee Johnson is relishing the chance to go up against Leeds United once again as the two clubs meet for their opening Championship fixture on Sunday.
The Whites did the double over the Robins last season, winning 2-0 at Elland Road and 1-0 at Ashton Gate back in March.
Patrick Bamford ’s goal was the difference between the two sides that day and the former Chelsea prodigy will lead the lines once again this weekend.
Marcelo Bielsa will be looking to outwit his opposite number at the weekend as United bid to get off to another fast start.
Leeds won five of their opening eight matches last season, leaving them top of the division at the end of August.
They will need to be out of the block quick again on Sunday against a side tipped for another top-six push.
Speaking to the press ahead of the match, Johnson spoke about the challenges of returning to action after the closed season and the challenges Leeds will pose his side at Ashton Gate.
He said: “You get into the mindset of the manager’s style, don’t you? That’s key.
“Obviously, we know the players and the individuals quite well because Leeds are established in the Championship. We’ve played them many times before.
“We’ll be well prepared, as they will be and it will come down on the day to which team executes the gameplan and that individual brilliance in key moments.”
The Robins haven’t had the perfect preparation for their Championship opener after getting spanked 5-0 by Crystal Palace at the weekend.
City were well of the pace against their Premier League counterparts, only eight days before their Championship season gets underway.
“We didn’t play our game very well,” Johnson admitted.
“There’s circumstances for that, but I suppose the proof will be in the pudding on Sunday.
“We’ve had a very tough 10, 14 days and physically, mentally and also the travelling. It’s probably at the back end of catching up with us.
“At the same time there was a few worrying signs. A good week now to focus in and coach the boys, make sure we’re organised, set and ready to go.”
Johnson hit the headlines in July after giving his reaction to facing Leeds on the opening day of the season.
The City boss decided to tread down the went down the well-worn ‘Spygate’ avenue, saying: “Me and Jamie have just rented out a two-bedroom flat overlooking Leeds’ training ground so we can get a good old view of their training."
Speaking to the media, he referred back to that initial reaction, joking: “I’m not saying anything. Last time I made a joke I got absolutely pelted on Twitter, so I’m going to leave it.”
