City kick off their festive marathon at Bristol City with Colin Todd insisting: It's time to make things happen.

The Ashton Gate clash is the first of nine matches facing the Bantams in the next 27 days.

Todd believes his players will relish the hectic challenge, which also includes next week's FA Cup replay with Barnsley and a pre-Christmas trip to Kidderminster in the LDV Vans Trophy.

"It's very demanding but something you come to expect in this game and we're looking forward to it," he said. "Our fitness levels are good and we're in good spirits after Saturday.

"That's the best we have played for a while and we've got to take that performance to Bristol.

"If we can keep playing in the manner we have done then things can happen for us.

"We talk about consistency and now it is up to the players to make sure they can reproduce that when we start again."

Gary Johnson's side slumped to the League One basement after Swindon's win at Rotherham and they go into the game on a club-record slump of eight straight losses.

But given the topsy-turvy nature of the division, Todd will not underestimate the challenge.

"Just because they are down there doesn't make this game any easier. Bristol are battling for their lives and we've seen how unpredictable this league can be.

"Football can change quickly and whether they are having an indifferent time or not should not affect the way we play. We have acquitted ourselves very well away from home and it's important that we continue to do so."

Todd wants more of the same from

central midfield duo Marc Bridge-Wilkinson and Steve Schumacher, who were reunited so effectively at Barnsley.

"If the two midfielders can continue to play in a very aggressive manner then it's going to help us as a team. We know what Bridgey can do and Schuey looked back to his old self on Saturday - that was the best he's played.

"We also have the players who can start raiding down the flanks which will give the strikers opportunities to score goals. It's all about playing to our strengths."

Dean Windass is itching to get back on the goal trail after missing a hatful of chances at the weekend. And he warned Bristol City: "Someone is going to pay sooner or later and hopefully it's tonight.

"I'm still annoyed with myself about Saturday because everyone played to their maximum and we should have won.

"It all came together and Barnsley know we let them off the hook. I've never missed chances like that in my career.

"People will look at the table and think this will be an easy away win. It's never that simple whether you're playing the bottom of the league or the top.

"We went to Huddersfield who were going really well and got a good result and we expect it to be just as tough at Bristol tonight.

"But it's a good pitch to play on and the lads are going there full of

confidence."