Fan Focus: Bristol City fan predicts a 3-1 away win - but admits McGeady is the man to watch

RF: You're doing well in the league and just destroyed Premier League cup opposition in Crystal Palace, so it's safe to say that all Bristol City fans must be pretty happy with how things are going at the moment. What do you put the good start down to?

MA: It is a combination of two things mainly. City have a policy of developing young players, which will pay off over the coming years. Last season many of them were inexperienced in the division and perhaps were found out - and then we went on a long run of games without a win, which destroys confidence.

Fortunately things were turned around just in time to survive in the league. Secondly, we have made some great new signings who fit in well.

RF: Has the good start altered expectations at all? What did you think this season would have in store before in kicked off, compared to now?

MA: I predicted the better performances ahead of this campaign but a lot of fans didn't. The management have gone out of their way this season to explain what they are doing, which has brought a lot of fans round who were critical last season.

Expectations are high because we have been in the play-off zone - how could you miss that?

Photo by Harry Trump/Getty Images

RF: With twenty goals scored in the league so far this season, you're one of the best sides in the division in front of goal. Famara Diedhiou has five goals whilst Bobby Reid has seven, so are they the main danger men for you or is there anyone else we should be keeping our eye on?

MA: I could have included a third reason for the better performances this season - the form of Bobby Reid. Traditionally a midfielder, the management team played a master stroke by putting him up front where his tricky play is very effective plus his newfound shooting boots.

Another to keep your eye on is Matty Taylor. His interplay, anticipation and finishing abilities were well illustrated by his equaliser against Palace.

RF: What about weaknesses? We need all the help we can get at the minute, so where do you think Simon Grayson can find some joy against you?

MA: Every side has weaknesses and strengths. The Sunderland management team will know ours after over a dozen games this season. In the Leeds game we did not cope with three enforced changes and two voluntary changes. Players out of position were exploited by Leeds.

Worrying for you though - Eros Pisano at the back and big striker Milan Djuric returned from injury plus play-maker Jamie Paterson from illness in the Palace game.

Photo by Harry Trump/Getty Images

RF: On that note, is there anyone in particular in the Sunderland side you're worried about?

MA: I am not very hot on other clubs but I would look out for Aiden McGeady - a good player with obvious resilience having spent three years in Russia.

RF: How do you expect Lee Johnson to approach the game and what do you think his starting line up will be?

MA: Johnson will come to try to win the game. Famara Diedhiou is injured and probably Smith too, so I expect the team to be something like: Fielding, Pisano, Wright, Flint, Bryan; Brownhill, O'Dowda, Pack, Luko; Reid, Djuric.

RF: Can we have a score prediction to finish things off?

MA: 3-1 to City!

Thanks to Mike for his time - you can check out the Bristol City Supporters Trust on their website.