Colin Todd wants a "100 per cent improvement" if City hope to unseat leaders Norwich on Saturday.
Bryan Robson's men are looking for a pick-me-up after the FA Cup upset loss against Luton.
A trip to Carrow Road - where the Canaries have been beaten only once - is hardly the easiest place to do that.
But assistant boss Todd hopes City can defy the pundits because the pressure is off.
Todd said: "Most people wouldn't think it was the best game for us to bounce back. Nobody in football will be predicting anything else than a Norwich win, but this helps us, and maybe we can pull off a big surprise.
"People expected us to get steamrollered against West Brom but it didn't happen. We were unlucky not to pick up at least a draw."
Danny Cadamarteri should be back for City, who face a Norwich side four points clear at the top and unbeaten in eight league games.
That contrasts with City's run of six defeats in seven.
Todd added: "I thought we had made some improvement with the way we were playing but the last few games have been disappointing.
"There's no magic formula now. The cup has gone and we're looking for a 100 per cent improvement in the next game."
l Frazer McHugh has left the club after his contract was cancelled by mutual consent.
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