Bristol City predicted line-up vs Middlesbrough: Two changes made including George Tanner and Zak Vyner calls

Bristol City are back in Championship action this weekend with a home clash against Middlesbrough. They were beaten 1-0 away at league leaders Coventry City last time out. The Robins weren't able to find an equaliser against the Sky Blues and slumped to a defeat at the CBS Arena.

Gerhard Struber's side are positioned in 11th place in the table after their first 11 fixtures. They are four points off the play-offs behind Ipswich Town and Hull City in 5th and 6th respectively. Here is a look at their predicted XI against Boro:

Bristol City predicted XI vs Middlesbrough: goalkeeper and defence

GK: Radek Vitek: He has made a positive impression between the sticks this season for Bristol City. The goalkeeper is on loan from Premier League giants Manchester United. Max O'Leary and Joe Lumley provide back-up for his position.

RWB: Ross McCrorie: The Robins will be without Mark Sykes over the next few weeks due to injury. That will give McCrorie the chance to get some regular game time over the course of the festive period. He is someone who tends to get involved in attacks from wing-back when he can.

CB: George Tanner: Tanner sat out against Coventry last weekend. However, he may well return against Middlesbrough and will need to be checked on. It would be a big boost if he was available as he has been a regular at the back in this campaign.

CB: Rob Dickie: The centre-back has been ever-present this term under Struber. He is an experienced operator in the Football League and joined his current club from QPR back in 2023. The defender will be looking to keep Boro's dangerous attackers at bay at Ashton Gate.

CB: Zak Vyner: Like Tanner, Vyner was also unable to feature against the Sky Blues last Saturday. He will be assessed over the next 24 hours or so now though and there is hope he will make it. His contract expires in June next year and his long-term future is up in the air right now.

LWB: Cameron Pring: Pring was sidelined for quite a lot of 2025 but is back fit now. Bristol City have been carefully easing him back into the action. Neto Borges won't be able to play against his parent club.

Bristol City predicted XI vs Middlesbrough: midfield and attack

CM: Jason Knight: He had to play in a more defensive role against Coventry due to Tanner and Vyner being sidelined. If they are back against Middlesbrough, Knight could push further forward. That would help him get on the ball more in the middle of the park and create chances for the players ahead of him.

CM: Adam Randell: Bristol City's decision to land him in the summer has turned out well. He was thrown a second tier lifeline after Plymouth Argyle's relegation to League One. The midfielder has since proved to be a calming presence in the heart of the pitch.

CAM: Scott Twine: The playmaker is always a threat from set-pieces. Twine has six goals to his name and will be eager to add more to his tally over the coming weeks. He joined on an initial loan deal from Burnley in 2024 that was later made permanent.

CAM: Anis Mehmeti: His deal runs out in 2026 as things stand as well. The Robins risk losing him for nothing if they can't agree an extension with him in the meantime. For now though, his focus will be on causing Middlesbrough some problems with his trickery and flair.

ST: Emis Riis: Struber has a decision to make on whether to pick Riis, Sinclair Armstrong or Fally Mayulu. Riis seems the most likely candidate to get the nod up top. He has found the net on six occasions since his switch from Preston North End earlier this year.