Bristol City manager Michael Skubala has pinpointed Bolton Wanderers midfielder Josh Sheehan as the key threat ahead of his first Championship match in charge. The new boss, who guided Lincoln City to the League One title last season, faces a significant step up as his side prepare to visit the University of Bolton Stadium this Saturday.

Skubala, 43, left Lincoln to take the reins at Ashton Gate and will lead a team currently 14th in the Championship with 15 points from 12 games. Their recent form, with one win, two draws and two losses from the last five, underlines the challenge of consistency in a demanding division. The manager is under no illusions about the task, having described the Championship as the hardest league in the world.

Championship challenges highlighted

"The power and the physicality of a lot of teams in this league is obviously a step up," Skubala said. He warned that the relentless schedule of games on Saturday, Tuesday and the following Saturday demands real toughness. "Football in the Championship is definitely a moments league," he added. "You have to be really tough to go again from Saturday, Tuesday to Saturday." His comments come after a goalless draw at Stoke City last time out, a result that extended City's run to just one win in five.

Bolton's key threats identified

For the immediate test, Skubala's focus is firmly on the opposition's engine room. "I have played against many Bolton teams and Josh Sheehan is the six that makes them tick, if you like," the City boss stated. He also noted the presence of a strong number nine in Dalby among what he described as plenty of threats in the Bolton attack. With the hosts expected to take the game to City, Skubala emphasised the need for defensive discipline. "Every game is totally different," he said. "Every game has a totally different style, a totally different feel to it."

Bristol City will be without the sidelined trio of Rob Dickie, Niklas Eile and Elijah Adebayo for the trip, adding to the difficulty of the assignment. A victory could see them close the gap on the top half, though they currently sit ten points behind leaders Middlesbrough. The full fixtures list shows a busy period ahead, making a positive start under the new management imperative. Skubala's first Championship test kicks off at 15:00 on Saturday, 31 October.

Background and full detail: theboltonnews.co.uk