Scouting report: How Sheffield Wednesday can topple promotion rivals Bristol City at Hillsborough

Sheffield Wednesday are on a high after dispatching promotion rivals Nottingham Forest 4-0, with striker Jordan Rhodes coming in from the cold to nab a hat-trick.

The Owls face another play-off contender next in Bristol City, here is what to expect from the Robins.

How is their form?

It’s a mixed bag, with very impressive results mixed in with a few disappointing games.

City lost two home games in four days against Blackburn Rovers and Millwall, yet before that pulled off a fantastic 2-1 win away at Fulham, and hammered Huddersfield Town 5-2 at Ashton Gate.

Who are their dangermen?

Central midfielder Josh Brownhill is at the heart of much of Bristol City’s good work, and he has also chipped in with an impressive five goals.

You may remember Andreas Weimann from his Premier League days - he is City’s top scorer with seven goals.

Who is the manager?

Lee Johnson, son of former Robins boss Gary Johnson, has been in charge for nearly four years.

In that time Bristol City have competed at the top end of the Championship, and are capable of putting impressive winning runs together. Although inconsistent results have stopped them mounting a sustained challenge, Johnson has improved his side year-on-year.

Tactics?

City often play with a back three, and manager Lee Johnson often changes his tactical approach during games. Bristol City are comfortable playing without the ball, and have won games with as little as 42% possession.

Johnson likes using a big striker to build play off - it’s likely that he will use Femara Diedhiou in this role at Hillsborough.

Weaknesses to exploit?

City have conceded 32 goals this season, the joint-most of any team inside the top half. If Wednesday can attack with even half of the potency they showed at the City Ground at the weekend, they could blow a shaky Bristol City defence away. The Owls will have to be careful at the other end though, City’s record of 34 goals scored is an decent total.