The Bristol Post's Andrew Stockhausen lifts the lid on Sunday's opponents Bristol City. Ahead of West Ham United's FA Cup fourth round away trip to Ashton Gate, whufc.com spoke to the Bristol Post's sports writer Andrew Stockhausen on all things to do with Bristol City. Bristol City have had a terrific season so far, currently second in League One with a game in hand over Swindon Town, what have you made of it? AS: "A welcome difference to what we've had since the Play-Off final in 2008. Since then, we've had four years of gradual decline and then the last two years have been very difficult. That culminated in relegation from the Championship and a big change of personnel. "We could easily have got relegated again last season, but the upturn happened when Steve Cotterill was appointed manager in December 2013. We've seen a steady, consistent improvement in all aspects of the club since his arrival. So this season is such a breath of fresh air, having had a few difficult seasons." please log in to view this image With that in mind, presumably the league is still the priority? AS: "Yes, Steve Cotterill has said many times that winning the title and getting promoted back into the Championship is the priority. He's not shied away from that and it is still the aim. Having said that, I'm sure he'd love to beat a Premier League side. In every game we've played he has named a strong side, so it's a game everybody will want to win. Which players in particular have been in good form this season? AS: "It sounds really boring but it has been a real team effort. You have to look at our signing policy. We signed seven players last summer and they have all done well. They have all gone into the first team so it's a very different line up to last season. "Korey Smith has been an absolutely stand out player. We signed him from Oldham in the summer, a former Norwich boy. He plays a holding midfield role in the centre of midfield. He's protects the back three very well, we play a 3-5-2 formation usually. He has got great energy and he's good with the ball at his feet too. please log in to view this image "Luke Freeman is more of a luxury player, he's an ex-Arsenal player. They signed him from Stevenage for an undisclosed six figure fee and we've now seen the best of him. He is a very skilful player, a box-to-box midfielder. Steve Cotterill has reinvented him from a winger to a more central role. So he's had a massive impact, he's a threat from set pieces as well." "More recently we've had some injuries to deal with. Aaron Wilbraham has been out for a month so Jay Emanuel-Thomas has been called upon more recently. He's another ex-Arsenal player whose had a few issues in Championship during his time at Ipswich Town. He struggled to get games and it looked like he might move but now he's getting more involved. He's got six goals and a number of assists, considering he has not played much, is pretty good. "He has formed a very effective forward partnership with Matt Smith, on loan from Fulham. It took him three or four games to get fit and find his feet but since then he's scored nine goals in eleven games, so him and Jay up front have been pretty sensational in the last month." Do you anticipate a busy transfer window, either trying to keep players or bringing new players in? AS: "I don't think they will have a problem keeping any of their players. They have already brought in two players: James Tavernier from Wigan, he's not actually eligible to play against West Ham because he's cup tied. We've also got George Saville from Wolves who probably will play a part on Sunday. "I think they will try and extend Matt Smith's loan which ends this week. I suspect he is in the market for a goalkeeper to create competition for Frank Fielding." Have you seen much of West Ham this season? AS: "I've seen them on the box a few times. Sam's doing a good job. He's typecast as a long ball merchant and he got a lot of stick when they were in the bottom three last season but they've got a few different strings to their bow this year. His signings have been absolutely amazing and he has done well in the market over the last two seasons. "Although I think they are still physically strong and well organised, they are also very hard to break down. They've added an enterprising attacking side to them. I think it is going to be a very difficult game for any League One side." What is your prediction for Sunday's score? AS: "I think West Ham will be too strong for Bristol City, I'll say a 2-1 win." Just finally, where do you think Bristol City will finish come the end of the season? AS: "I believe Bristol City will win automatic promotion. I also think we'll go to Wembley in the Johnson's Paint Trophy final. So we'll do the double." http://www.whufc.com/articles/20150122/view-on-the-opposition-bristol-city_2236884_4429877
