Lee Johnson has called on the Bristol City fans to match the decibel level of the Leeds United supporters, ahead of the two clubs' Championship meeting at Ashton Gate on Saturday.
Bristol City released a statement on Wednesday stating that the ticket sales for the weekend’s game have surpassed the 23,000 mark and that the crowd is now guaranteed to be the largest for the Robins this season.
Both clubs presently find themselves in the playoff spots; while Bristol City are fourth with 21 points from 12 games, Leeds are two places and a point behind.
Johnson said that he expects the Whites’ supporters to fill the away end of the stadium and hence urged the Bristol City fans to rise to the occasion.
The 36-year-old went on to add that he will pick his team with players who will not be overawed by the atmosphere at Ashton Gate.
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“I think it will be a brilliant atmosphere”, he told bctv.
“The Championship is a top league and obviously the history associated with the club we’re playing is outstanding.
“They’ll fill the away end, which you would expect from the fan base of that size of a club.
“To be honest, our fans have been brilliant in every game so I can’t grumble.
“But obviously they’ll have to match the sound decibel level from the Leeds fans.
“And I think they’ll stand up to that and create a really good atmosphere for the players to play in.
“It’s important we pick a team where the players are not going to freeze and [instead] relish the occasion.”
Bristol City will head into the game against Leeds on the back of a goalless draw against relegation-threatened Burton Albion last week.
