Michael Skubala has no intention of approaching Wednesday's home fixture against Wolverhampton Wanderers with anything resembling reverence. The Bristol City head coach openly rates Wolves as "one of the best three teams" in the Championship right now, yet he is equally clear that their visit to Ashton Gate represents an opportunity rather than an ordeal.

"There is no doubt they have quality in their side," Skubala told BBC Radio Bristol. "It is for us to be good with the ball when it turns over, we are going to have to be better in those moments when we get it. As individuals, we are going to have to be cleaner."

Where Wolves stand in the table

The scale of the task for City is not in dispute. Wolves are currently third in the second tier, having won three of their past four matches. That is the kind of form that earns respect across the division, and Skubala duly gave it. But he was careful not to let admiration curdle into apprehension. A good run of three wins from four is precisely that: a good run. It does not make a side invincible, and Skubala knows it.

"West Ham, Middlesbrough and them for me are very strong teams in this division," he said, "but that's what we enjoy. These players are top players and we want to pitch ourselves against the best and see where we are at."

That framing matters. City are not approaching this as a side simply hoping to survive a visit from a squad laden with Premier League pedigree. They are treating it as a measuring stick.

The plan: solid shape, exploit the weaknesses

Skubala was measured but pointed about how he expects his side to compete. The emphasis, he said, will be on limiting the damage Wolves can do through their obvious strengths while pressing hard on whatever gaps emerge.

"We are going to have to have a plan that is very solid to be able to make sure their strengths don't hurt us too much, but we have to go after their weaknesses," he said.

That is a realistic, two-phase approach from a head coach who has been candid throughout his time at the club about the margin for error available to a mid-table Championship side. Bristol City cannot afford to be passive against opposition of this quality; parking and hoping rarely works at this level, and Wolves have shown they can break down defensive setups with regularity.

Home form is the underlying issue

Skubala also acknowledged that City need to be better at Ashton Gate, a pointed admission given the ground should be their fortress. He has spoken previously about spreading the goals burden across the squad, and the challenge of being more consistent in front of their own supporters adds another layer to Wednesday's contest.

There is a broader context worth keeping in mind. Wolves are third; Bristol City are looking upward rather than over their shoulder at present. A positive result on Wednesday would be significant not just in terms of league points but in terms of signalling that Skubala's side can compete with the division's best. Conversely, a chastening defeat would not be terminal, but it would underline how much work remains.

Caution is warranted here. Wolves' current form is genuine, built over multiple matches and not a one-off fluke. Three wins from four is impressive, but it is a short sequence, and short sequences can end. Bristol City will be looking to be the side that ends this one.

What is certain is that Skubala's squad will be motivated. These are the matches Championship players want: high-profile, high-stakes, against opponents who test every part of your game. Whether City can back the manager's confidence with a performance remains to be seen on Wednesday evening.

Frequently asked

When do Bristol City play Wolves in the Championship?
The match is scheduled for Wednesday evening at Ashton Gate, with Wolverhampton Wanderers the visitors.
Where are Wolves in the Championship table?
Wolves are currently third in the Championship, having won three of their past four league matches.
What has Michael Skubala said about facing Wolves?
Skubala rates Wolves among the top three sides in the Championship but insists they are beatable, saying his side must be solid defensively while going after their opponents' weaknesses.