Bristol City predicted line-up vs Preston North End: Two changes made including Sinclair Armstrong call

Bristol City take on Preston North End on Sunday afternoon at Ashton Gate. They beat Portsmouth 5-0 at home on New Year’s Day last time out. Sinclair Armstrong scored twice against Pompey, whilst Anis Mehmeti, Adam Randell and Scott Twine also managed to get themselves on the scoresheet.

Gerhard Struber’s side are now sat in 8th place in the Championship table after 25 fixtures. They are only one point off the play-offs. Here is a look at their predicted line-up for this weekend...

Bristol City predicted line-up vs Preston North End: goalkeeper and defence

GK: Max O’Leary: Bristol City’s usual number one Marek Vitek, who is on loan from Manchester United, is out injured. That has given O’Leary a chance to stake his claim again. Joe Lumley is another option for them between the sticks as well.

RWB: Ross McCrorie: The wing tends to get up and down the flank and join attacks when he can. The 27-year-old has been on the books of his current club since joining them back in 2023. He has since proved to be a useful player to call upon.

CB: George Tanner: He has enjoyed plenty of game time for the Robins so far this season. The ex-Manchester United and Carlisle United man can also play as a right-back if needed, as well as in the middle. His deal expires in June 2028.

CB: Zak Vyner: Bristol City could face a battle to keep hold of him at the end of the campaign. His contract runs out in late June and he is due to become a free agent as things stand. Wrexham were linked with him in the summer but nothing materialised in the end.

CB: Rob Atkinson: He has forced his way back into the picture this term. The defender fell out of favour 12 months ago under former head coach Liam Manning. He was shipped out on loan to Portsmouth to get some game time.

LB: Cameron Pring: It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Struber make a change at left wing-back. Neto Borges has played a lot of football and could drop out for Pring. That would help freshen things up as the games continue to come thick and fast.

Bristol City predicted line-up vs Preston North End: midfield and attack

CM: Adam Randell: Bristol City’s decision to sign him in the summer has worked out well. He was thrown a second tier lifeline following Plymouth Argyle’s relegation to League One. The midfielder has since been a calming influence in the middle of the park.

CM: Jason Knight: He missed a chunk of matches earlier this season due to injury. The Irishman is now back and looking to help his team get into the top six. Norwich City and Ipswich Town were said to be keen on him last year.

CAM: Scott Twine: The ex-Burnley man is always a threat from set-pieces. He has scored seven league goals and will be aiming to add to his tally against Preston. The 26-year-old joined on an initial loan deal that was later made permanent.

CAM: Anis Mehmeti: Like Vyner, his contract also runs out later this year. It would be a massive blow to lose him, especially for nothing. He is a key player and is a proven performer at this level.

ST: Sinclair Armstrong: Armstrong deserves to start after his brace against Portsmouth. That means he could come into the side ahead of Emil Riis. He pace and power can prove tough for opposition defenders to deal with.