CITY face a real test this weekend when they entertain Leeds United in a massive Championship clash.

Both teams are in the play-off zone and three points either way could make a big difference to their challenges on leaders Wolverhampton Wanderers and second-placed Cardiff City.

But City missed out on an opportunity to move deeper into the promotion race last Friday with a goal-less draw against basement strugglers Burton Albion.

Head coach Lee Johnson said after the match that they had plenty of chances to win but could not deliver that killer blow.

That Burton entered the match at Ashton Gate with one thing on their mind – to defend for their lives – said a lot about the game.

They managed to do just that and, like a boxer on the ropes who puts up his guard and lets the other man try and knock him down, City had almost all the possession, corners and shots throughout a frustrating clash without being able to finish off a side which had leaked four goals in each of their previous two games.

Johnson, however, believes there are plenty of positives to take from the draw and that is good to hear.

All teams have an off day and the Burton draw may just be that as the final ten days of the month are going to be exhausting and will test just how resilient the management and players are.

Because after facing a Leeds side which are looking to bounce back from a run of three defeats in a row, City will be up against Premier League opposition on Tuesday when they play Crystal Palace, who beat champions Chelsea last Saturday, in the Carabao Cup fourth round at what should be a packed Ashton Gate.

Then Johnson’s men face two daunting trips, one to the Stadium of Light to face ex-Premier League outfit Sunderland who are now fighting for their lives at the wrong end of the Championship, and a trip to Craven Cottage on Tuesday to play a Fulham side which, as we stand, are unbeaten in four games.