Away-day assignment is welcomed by Dickov

The Robins are unbeaten in 12 league matches and are turning Ashton Gate into an imposing citadel, having not been beaten at their West Country home in their past 10 League One games since early February.

In terms of finances, City also have a big advantage on Rovers, through the backing of owner Steve Lansdown, but Dickov, who relished his underdog tag as a player, is not cowed.

Dickov, whose side boast a 100 per cent away record so far in 2014-15, said: “We go down there with a lot of confidence in our away form. We have had some tough away trips and performed really well and the players are desperate for a reaction after the Oldham game and we go there expecting a result.

“We know it wil be tough, but it was tough going to Yeovil on the first day of the season and going down to Watford and a long trip to Colchester. The boys have shown they know how to win games away, whether by playing football or digging in.”

On today’s hosts, he added: “Steve (Cotterill) has recruited really well and apart from Kieran Agard, who he bought in fairly late, every other player he had for the start of pre-season and that shows the organisation they have got and how they are playing.

“They have the finance, but you deal with what you have got. “

Rovers could hand a start to Richie Wellens, eyeing his first start after committing his future to the club, with Dickov thrilled to keep him.

He added: “On and off the pitch, he is a big influence and the players know they can trust him with the ball and they know he is going to keep it.

“When you have a player like that, it breeds confidence throughout the team.”