Bristol City entertain Birmingham City at Ashton Gate as they hope to end their wretched run of bad form at home. The Robins are without a win in front of their own supporters since October, and despite positive results against Coventry, Millwall and Swansea, the pressure is still on Nigel Pearson.
The Robins are back in Championship action after a break for the FA Cup last week which came after a busy festive period. City have an FA Cup replay against Swansea to contend with and so January could be a busy month, but the priority will be Birmingham with the club languishing near the bottom of the table.
Against Swansea, City suffered an injury blow with both Andi Weimann and Tommy Conway both forced off with hamstring injuries. Pearson prompted a change in shape from the usual 3-5-2 to a 4-3-3, which eventually resulted in Antoine Semenyo scoring an equaliser against the Welsh club. Conway and Weimann are missing for this match, and so there isn't much wiggle room when it comes to changing the team.
In midweek, several first-team players, like Joe Williams, Andy King, Jay Dasilva, Mark Sykes and the out-of-favour Han-Noah Massengo featured for the Under-21's but no one performed exceptionally in their hour cameo in a 1-0 defeat to a youthful Cardiff City. Pearson was in attendance along with the whole of coaching staff, and will now have to ponder whether to give his fring players a chance.
A win against Birmingham is vital if City are to relieve the presure on themselves with only three points separating them and 22nd-placed Blackpool. Here is how we think Pearson could line up his side against Blues.
1. GK: Max O’Leary
O’Leary has been number one since Dan Bentley was dropped after the 3-0 loss to Birmingham. Bentley’s been linked with a move way and MOL position looks to be safe. Photo: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images
2. RCB: Zak Vyner
Vyner has been the most improved player for City this season and is a reliable option to have in this position. Photo: Dan Mullan/Getty Images
3. CB: Rob Atkinson
Atkinson had a spell out of the side but he’s now back and managed to shake off an error against Swansea. Photo: Clive Mason/Getty Images
4. LCB: Kal Naismith
The left-side of a back three is the best defensive position for Naismith, who has been spoken about as a winger and a centre midfielder this week. Photo: Dan Mullan/Getty Images