League leaders Norwich City host 9th placed Bristol City as they aim to go seven points clear at the top of the table tonight with the match kicking off at 6pm.
However, Robins head coach Dean Holden believes it is a challenge his side are capable of tackling, despite coming up against top opposition.
“They’ve been the best team so far that’s why they’re top of the league, but it’s a fantastic game for us where we can go and test ourselves with the belief, we can get something from it,” said Holden.
The Robins coach then added, “as I say we are full of confidence at the moment, going into the game and looking forward to it.”
The 41-year old’s side are currently in good form after back-to-back wins against Portsmouth in the third round of the FA Cup, and Preston North End in the Championship.
But despite their recent good form, Norwich City are deservingly at the top of the table after winning four of their last six matches, and Holden will be aware of their quality after suffering a 3-1 loss earlier in the season at Ashton Gate.
“Norwich City are one of the Premier League teams with last season, who’ve got incredible depth in their squad, I think they only lost Lewis in the summer really, keeping the likes of Cantwell, Aarons and Buendia who are some top players,” said Holden.
Another player the relegated side kept since last season was striker Teemu Pukki, who scored a brace in the win against Holden’s side, and the manager has not forgotten how much of a problem he can be for teams.
“He was so clinical in the last game, but in fairness you’ve got to stop the supply, you know they’ve got players throughout the team that can take the ball and can create moments of quality so it’s a team effort when you go to a play like Norwich, but we have threats in our team that can cause them problems,” said the Bristol City head coach.
One threat Holden may be talking about is midfielder Kasey Palmer, who was recently recalled back from his loan spell at Swansea, and his manager is delighted he is back playing well for City.
“He can be really pleased with his game, especially his first half display. He can give either side of the game and his positional play defensively was very good as well so really delighted with his first game back in a city shirt,” added Holden.
The Canaries have scored 33 goals in the league so far, with Pukki scoring a third of them, but he may find it harder than his previous meeting with Bristol City as Fulham loanee Alfie Mawson has returned from injury.
Check out what Mawson had to say ahead of the game tonight.
“Delighted that he’s back, he’s only played two games since his return but two fantastic performances from him”, said Holden.
The soon to be away side have not lost a match when 27 year old has played the full 90 minutes, and Holden is glad “real leader” Mawson is back in the team.
A win for The Robins would send them two points off the promotion places, with their head coach seeing the second half of the campaign as a big opportunity for their promotion push.
“We just need to keep working hard and we’ve got a chance in this second half of the season to do something really special and that’s the aim when you’re in football,” said Holden.