WHEN the draw for the Carabao Cup quarter finals was made back at the end of October, I, like most City fans feared that the anticipation of a home tie against Manchester United would prove a distraction for the players from league matters.

But on the contrary, City go into Wednesday’s cup clash against one of the biggest football clubs in the world in fine form having won four league games on the trot.

They were, by no means, easy games either. Two away wins in Yorkshire -a place City traditionally seem to struggle to get results - against Hull City and fellow promotion hopefuls Sheffield United and two home wins against big-spending Middlesborough and Nottingham Forest last Saturday.

The performance at the weekend was once again impressive as City created more and a better quality of chances than their opponents.

We just looked better than Forest all over the park and Marlon Pack gave us a deserved lead with a lovely long-range strike on 36 minutes.

But not to be outdone by his teammate Joe Bryan fired in another effort from outside the box just before the half-time whistle.

Forest did get back into the game early in the second half with a fine strike from the impressive Kieran Dowell but City finished the game stronger and it felt like a comfortable three points that keeps the pressure on Cardiff City who currently lie in the second automatic promotion spot.

City have a packed Christmas fixture list. First, we travel to Loftus Road to face QPR on Saturday (3pm) before returning to Ashton Gate for two home games.

On Boxing Day, City host Reading (3pm) and then league leaders Wolves are the visitors on Saturday 30 December in a game that will be live on Sky (5.30pm).

Finally, we play Aston Villa at Villa Park on New Year’s Day at 5.30pm. A return of around eight points would be a great achievement.

Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year to all City fans!