Bristol City welcome Coventry City to Ashton Gate this evening as the Robins search for back-to-back wins for the first time this season.
City beat Middlesbrough 2-1 in front of their own fans, topping off a day of celebration where they commemorated the Ashton Gate Eight on the fortieth anniversary.
Three changes were made from the defeat to Swansea City with changes needed given the manner of defeat to the Welsh side and those who got given their chance took it, issuing the perfect response.
The issue for City now though is that Joe Williams, who came out in the stats department in multiple areas is unlikely to play a part this evening.
“It’s good to have him back and good to have him but you might not see him again on starting on Tuesday night because we have to make sure he’s going to be available for the rest of the season,” said Pearson who is keen to carefully manage one of his players who could offer a lot for the remainder of the season.
Pearson could be bluffing and perhaps giving Coventry some information through the media for them to set up a bit differently but really, Williams may not play a role tonight given his issues with injury this season with the manager having different plans for him.
The key question though on who replaces him should be interesting as Williams was deployed as a centre-back, providing cover for the defence as well as the midfield. There are three options including giving Robbie Cundy his first league start or reintroducing Cameron Pring or Zak Vyner.
Not many changes are expected to be made this evening but there will at least be one enforced, so we take a guess at how City may line up against the side from the Midlands.
1. GK: Daniel Bentley
Made his 400th appearance when he played against Middlesbrough on Saturday, waited seven weeks for his first start. In between the sticks in the absence of Max O’Leary. Photo: Eddie Keogh/Getty Images
2. RWB: Sam Bell
Father Mickey was a full-back during his playing days and his son coped well against Boro on Saturday. Photo: Marc Atkins/Getty Images
3. CB: Cameron Pring
Could return to the side given the absence of Joe Williams, who may not be involved as Nigel Pearson manages his play time. Photo: Harry Trump/Getty Images
4. CB: Timm Klose
Done well since joining towards the end of January. Nigel Pearson likes experience in his back line. Photo: Harry Trump/Getty Images