JASON Tindall insists he is "not surprised" by Bristol City's impressive start to the Championship season, adding: "We need to be at our best to go out there and beat them."

Recently-appointed boss Dean Holden has guided his side to 14 points from their opening seven league fixtures, including victories in each of their first four outings.

They sit one point ahead of Cherries with both clubs set to face each other at Vitality Stadium this evening (7.45pm).

Asked for his thoughts on the Robins, Tindall said: "They’ve made a great start. After watching them play in a few of their games I’m not surprised because they’re a very good side.

"They’re a team that, in my opinion, look to play the right way and do the right things. They’ve got off to a good start.

"It’s going to be a really tough game for us and we need to be at our best to go out there and beat them."

Like Tindall, Holden stepped up from his previous role as assistant boss to take the top job, after former manager Lee Johnson left Bristol City in July.

He brought in former England youth coaches Paul Simpson and Keith Downing as his assistants.

"Dean’s done a great job since he’s been manager," said Tindall.

"Bristol City have gone down the England route in bringing in the England coaches and so far it’s really paying off because they’ve got off to a great start, they’re playing some really good football and it’s going to be a really tough game for us.

"We need to be at our best to make sure we go out there and win the game."