Bristol City predicted starting XI for Hull City visit - potential first start for defender with new contract

Bristol City can all but secure their highest league finish under Nigel Pearson if they defeat Hull City at Ashton Gate Stadium in their final home fixture of the season.

Pearson last year guided the Robins to a 19th placed finish after taking over from Dean Holden in February, but now an improvement can be made.

After defeating Derby County last weekend, they have beaten last season’s points tally with two fewer games played, whilst also being two places higher in 17th

A win over the Tigers who are below them by two points would secure at least their highest finish under Pearson and back-to-back wins for the first time this season.

City’s second tier has been secure for the last two games after beating Stoke, but despite not much to play for in terms of objectives, there is still a motivation to go out and get maximum points.

When it comes to team selection, it will be interesting whether there is scope for a few changes, but there won’t be many drastic ones, like an influx of youngsters.

Han-Noah Massengo, who is an obvious talent, has found starting opportunities hard to come by and will want to finish the season as strong as possible.

Whilst the attacking trio of Antoine Semenyo, Andi Weimann and Chris Martin remain untouched, leaving a lack of opportunity for Nahki Wells or Tommy Conway.

Compared to last season where youngsters like Sam Pearson, Conway and Bell had to be introduced due to player unavailability, there won’t be as many changes as there were then.

But some youngsters have been part of travelling squads and pushed hard for a starting berth, so now could be their opportunity.