Danny Haynes claims he and his Bristol City team-mates will feel no pressure when they finally meet arch-rivals Cardiff in tomorrow night's rearranged FA Cup third-round tie at Ashton Gate.

It could be argued that both sides have a point to prove after falling short of expectations during the busy festive programme.

But City striker Haynes reckons taking on the Bluebirds in a knockout format will serve as a breath of fresh air compared with the rigours of the Coca-Cola Championship campaign.

"This game could not have come at a better time for us," said Haynes. "We're going through a bit of a sticky patch in the league and it will do us good to take a break and focus on the FA Cup.

"It's a one-off game with no points at stake and it's one we are really looking forward to.

"Obviously the Cup is not as important to us because the Championship is our bread and butter and reaching the play-offs is our main goal this season.

"We're still viewing Cardiff as a must-win game, but it's one of those occasions when you can relax, have a bit of fun and not be afraid to express yourselves."

Although City's recent slide down the Championship table will be put to one side amid the white-heat intensity of a Severnside derby, Haynes acknowledges the significance of tomorrow's contest for a City side which is currently lacking confidence and struggling to rediscover the form and consistency which propelled them into the play-off positions earlier in the season.

"Because of what has happened in the last few weeks, this game is really important to us," said the former Ipswich Town raider. "In fact, it's massive for the rest of our season.

"We have to forget the late goal we let in against Watford in the last game at Ashton Gate, stay positive and keep believing in ourselves.

"I know there was a lot of frustration and disappointment after Christmas, because we ended up taking just one point from two games we should have won. But people have to realise we are still playing some good football.

"Because all the focus is on the late goals, the fans tend to forget the way we have been playing. The lads have to pick one another up and try not to worry about it too much. Things can change very quickly in football and one win can kick-start the season again. We all know that one result can change a lot of things and we have to make sure it comes against Cardiff."

When the Anglo-Welsh rivals last met at Cardiff's new stadium in August, the Bluebirds ran out comfortable 3-0 winners in a one-sided match which made dull viewing for a Sky TV audience. Embarrassed by the extent of that defeat, Haynes and his colleagues are determined to put the record straight at Ashton Gate.

He added: "We definitely owe them one after what they did to us earlier in the season. Losing is not quite so bad if you are competitive, but we were second best that day and it's something we want to put right.

"It's a local derby and it would nice for our supporters if we could put one over on Cardiff at our place."

On target against Watford in the last game to be played at Ashton Gate, Haynes now has four goals to his credit since arriving from Ipswich and is determined to help take the pressure off leading marksman Nicky Maynard.

He said: "We cannot keep relying on Nicky to score in every game – other players need to chip in.

"It was nice to get on the scoresheet against Watford, but I know there is still a lot more to come from me. I do set targets, but I'm not going to say what they are.

"It's enough to say I'm heading in the right direction."