Nigel Pearson says the huge strides his Bristol City defenders have made over the course of the season have encouraged him to play with a back four having previously opted for a three-man central defence with wing-backs.
The City manager, particularly during the second half of last season and the first portion of this one, maintained his stance to play with a five by reinforcing the message that it was the system that best suited the players at his disposal.
During half-time in the FA third round tie against Swansea last month, with the Robins trailing, Pearson switched his formation to a 4-3-3 for the first time this season. It made an instant impact with Antoine Semenyo sending the tie to a replay to help maintain the unbeaten run.
