City look for three points from season's first Severnside derby

Bristol City boss Lee Johnson will look to secure a fourth straight win in the Championship when he takes his side to Cardiff in the Severnside derby tonight but he knows his side, who are flying high in the league can take nothing for granted in a match rich in history.

As a City player Lee lined up against Cardiff several times, notably scoring in a 3-0 win at Ashton Gate in 2011 but tonight he will test his managerial credentials against a man who thrives on the intensity and build up to a derby match. Neil Warnock was appointed at Cardiff following the club's disappointing start to the Championship season. The Bluebirds sacked former Bristol Rovers manager Paul Trollope earlier this month after just five months in charge and two wins in eleven matches.

The Championship table shows the contrast in fortunes between the clubs, with Bristol City sitting 5th having won their last three matches, while Cardiff are second from bottom.

In his weekly press conference Johnson acknowledged the appointment of a new manager could galvanise the opposition and also the importance of the fixture from a fans perspective. However, he was keen to stress that his side would approach the match in the same way as any other.

Another victory in front of what is likely to be a sell out crowd will further strengthen City's ambitions of finishing near the top of the table. However, City's success so far this season has appeared to go under the radar. Tonight's match will be televised with players keen to impress fans and international managers alike. Either way Johnson and his players will want to put in a good performance and secure all three points to ensure fans go home happy and their climb up the Championship table continues.