Bristol City turn their attention to the Carabao Cup action as they welcome lower league Lincoln City to Ashton Gate on Tuesday evening. The Robins host the side ranked 13th in League One in the third round of the competition.
A win in the Cup would put them into the latter stages of a competition that Robins fans have enjoyed before. City reached the semi-finals under Lee Johnson, losing to Manchester City a few years back. They have been able to rotate against Coventry City and Wycombe Wanderers and still progress so this could be an opportunity for fringe players to stake a claim in the side.
There was no change in shape on Saturday in the 1-1 draw with Middlesbrough with 3-5-2 the tried and trusted formation that Pearson adopts. He did surprise many however with attack-minded players Andi Weimann and Antoine Semenyo both deployed as wing-backs. It saw Mark Sykes and Jay Dasilva drop to the bench which was a shock given they have been first-choice options in their roles.
A debut was handed out to academy youngster Joe Low, who featured for the first time against Boro. He had waited for his opportunity after a series of games as an unused substitute and was introduced for Weimann with seven minutes to go. The 20-year-old was able to thwart Middlesbrough’s attack and they earned a point.
Lincoln’s route to this stage of the tournament has seen them defeat Doncaster Rovers and later Barrow on penalties. The Imps were dumped out of the FA Cup after a 1-0 loss to National League South outfit Chippenham Town on Saturday and will want to issue a response.
As for their team news however, Lincoln have several injuries to contend with but named as strong a side as possible of a side on the weekend. Mark Kennedy could be without up to six players.
With one eye on the Watford game, expect a few ‘tweaks’ here and there from Pearson to afford players some much-needed game time. A strong team is expected to line up against Lincoln and so this is a match that the Robins will be firm favourites for.
1. GK: Max O’Leary
A man-of-the-match display against Middlesbrough should see O’Leary keep his place. Nige never usually changes his goalkeepers for Cup matches. Photo: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images
2. CB: Zak Vyner
Ever present in the Championship, Vyner could start again in the Carabao Cup. Photo: Dan Mullan/Getty Images
3. CB: Joe Low
Joe Low made his debut against Middlesbrough and a first start would be a reward for his patience. Photo: Rogan/Fever Pitch
4. CB: Rob Atkinson
Atkinson has missed the last few matches through illness. He returned to training on Thursday and if fit could be eased in to a return. Photo: Tony Marshall/Getty Images