Expectations are cautiously high around Ashton Gate for the upcoming season, with hopes that they can build on last season’s 18th placed finish, having taken League One by storm the campaign before.

It was a turbulent season for the Robins, with Steve Cotterill having to be dismissed, but if finished strongly under Lee Johsnon, and Bristol City will hope they can pick up way they left off.

With the renovation of the stadium complete, and over £5 million spent in the transfer window so far, the future looks bright for Bristol City.

They will be looking to truly establish themselves as a Championship side which means Lee Johnson has a weight of expectation to avoid getting dragged into any sort of relegation scrap.

However with shrewd business done in the window so far, and potentially more to come, FLW’s Tom Percival looks at 3 things we should expect from Lee Johnson’s side this season.....

 

Goal scoring threat

Jonathan Kodjia

There a few sides throughout the division that can boast the quality of strikers that are currently plying their trade at Ashton Gate.

Jonathon Kodjia was a standout performer last term grabbing 20 goals, and, providing he stays around and performs in a similar vein, has the ability to once more establish himself as one of the most feared strikers outside of the top flight.

Add to that the creativity and experience of new signing Lee Tomlin, and the Robins should be capable of scoring a lot of goals this season.

If these two can link up as effectively as they did last campaign, they will be a danger to anyone and could propel Bristol City up the Championship table.

Continuity and team spirit

bristolll

There has not been too much chopping and changing of the Robins’ squad in recent years and subsequently many of the squad at present were also part of the side that lifted the League 1 title in 2015.

They work well as a team, and slowly extra quality is being added within each transfer window to ensure the club progresses.

If the side can maintain that team spirit and togetherness, then they possess a powerful tool.

You only have to look at the achievements of Leicester in the Premier League. But with the likes, of Frank Fielding, Aden Flint, Kieran Agard and Luke Ayling being joined by experienced heads such as Gary O’Neil, there should be a very strong dressing room at Ashton Gate this season.

A quiet play-off push

lee johnsonkljdcvfd

Not too many of the bookmakers fancy Bristol City for a top 6 finish before a ball has been kicked, but this could play into their advantage and they may be able to go under the radar somewhat.

With the threats previously eluded to, and if they can turn their refurbished home into a fortress, the competitiveness of the Championship means that almost anyone is in with a chance.

Bristol City should use the example of Sheffield Wednesday last season as inspiration as they attempt to sneak an unlikely promotion.