Three things Sunderland fans should know about Bristol City before Championship clash include potential danger men

Add as preferred source on Google

Sunderland returned to winning ways on Saturday with a 2-1 win over Stoke City, and now they look ahead to Bristol City.

Tommy Watson’s brace helped the Black Cats to victory last time out, putting an end to their six-game winless streak.

Regis Le Bris will be hoping that his team are now full of confidence and ready to take care of Bristol City with ease.

But Sunderland must not overlook their next opponents, despite their place in mid-table, as they have a few quality players to watch out for.

• READ MORE: Sunderland expert predicts whether Patrick Roberts will start vs Stoke as fans want him benched

What Sunderland fans should know about Bristol City

1. Liam Manning’s tactics

Bristol City appointed 39-year-old Liam Manning last November as the replacement for Nigel Pearson. Manning joined from Oxford United, where he had only been for eight months.

The Robins have often played in a 4-2-3-1 formation under the Englishman, including their last match, but have also set up in a 3-4-2-1 at times this season.

They tend to go with the latter in tougher games, like Sunderland away from home, but it remains to be seen which shape Manning will opt for on Tuesday.

2. Who are Bristol City’s best players?

Bristol City’s top goalscorer in the Championship this season is Anis Mehmeti (6), while striker Nakhi Wells (5) is not far behind the Albania international.

But the Robins’ best player has probably been either Jason Knight or Max Bird in midfield. The pair have eight assists between them and allow the team to play a possession-based brand of football.

Central defender Luke McNally has also been in fine form and will need to have another good game to keep Sunderland’s attackers quiet.

3. Bristol City’s recent form

Bristol City are often mocked for their inconsistency. They seemingly finish mid-table in the Championship every single season.

The ongoing campaign is no different, as they have the same number of wins as losses (six), and currently sit 12th in the league after 19 games.

But Manning’s side will still have aspirations of making the playoffs, like the Black Cats, with so many matches still to play.

If the same City team who beat Plymouth Argyle 4-0 shows up to the Stadium of Light on Sunday, Sunderland are in for a tough challenge.