Bristol City predicted XI for crunch Championship clash with Luton - first start for summer signing Wilson

The Robins face another winless side this evening as both remain in search of that sweet taste of three points
Mark Sykes could have a more attacking role. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)Mark Sykes could have a more attacking role. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
Mark Sykes could have a more attacking role. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)

Bristol City remain in search of their first win of the Championship season as they welcome Luton Town to Ashton Gate.

A point against Wigan Athletic on the back of a 4-1 win against Coventry City in the Carabao Cup was the boost they needed but now a win is the only thing missing.

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Andi Weimann scored for the fourth game running but could only watch on as Will Keane equalised.

Luton meanwhile suffered a home defeat at the hands of Preston North End with Brad Potts scoring a miraculous bicycle kick.

Tonight’s match has a slight bit of spice as Kal Naismith comes up against another of his former clubs, this time against the Hatters.

He spent a season-and-a-half at Kenilworth Road, winning the Player of the Year award there.

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Naismith however opted to make the move to the West Country after receiving a three-year offer.

Will he start? Here is our take as to how the Robins might line up against Nathan Jones’ men.

GK: Dan Bentley

Another game, another start for Bentley, who’s only competitor at the moment is Max O’Leary. As club captain, he’s almost always certain to start, including cup matches.

RCB: Zak Vyner

Vyner’s resurgence continues as he looks to start another game this season. Not many would have predicted he would be such a starter but he’s taking his opportunity.

CB: Timm Klose

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Klose has had to come off the bench for his appearances this season but is it now time to start the Swiss defender?

He has still had to watch on when conceding late goals but having a feel from the game from the off could give a more settled feel to the back line.

LCB: Kal Naismith

Naismith has been in the centre of the back three and sometimes that’s put him under pressure when receiving the ball.

Could a defensive reshuffle let Naismith play at his more favoured position in defence, which could also allow him to go forward?

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The potential absence of Rob Atkinson who was injured on the weekend means a change may be in the offing.

RWB: Kane Wilson

Mark Sykes has performed well since starting the campaign and it is his starting place to lose.

Could Wilson make his first league start however? Sykes could still start but in a different position.

CM: Alex Scott

Scott moved to a deeper position to accommodate Tommy Conway, so could he stay there if Joe Williams is unable to do a double-header? This game is there for the taking and the attack minded player could open their defence.

CM: Andy King

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The absence of Matty James whilst there’s an uncertainty on whether Williams plays, could open up a start for King, who would be responsible for the defensive side of things tonight.

LWB: Jay Dasilva

Cameron Pring will push Dasilva hard for a start but at the moment the former Chelsea youngster is favoured.

CAM: Mark Sykes

A slight rejig in defence and midfield could open up the potential for Sykes to play in the supporting role. It’s a position that he was tried in pre-season and caused problems from.

ST: Andi Weimann

Weimann is still scoring goals whatever position you put him. He dropped deeper to accommodate Tommy Conway who assisted him but perhaps tonight needs to be a bit more experience.

ST: Chris Martin

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Another start is expected for this vastly experienced Championship centre-forward, who is tasked with the nitty gritty side of things.

Bristol City (3-5-2): Dan Bentley; Zak Vyner, Timm Klose, Kal Naismith; Kane Wilson, Alex Scott, Andy King, Jay Dasilva; Mark Sykes; Andi Weimann and Chris Martin.

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