Bristol City predicted XI vs QPR: key change made as Gerhard Struber targets three points

With the EFL Championship season now into October, the games are beginning to come thick and fast as squads are tested to the limit ahead of a busy winter period.

This week saw the first set of midweek Championship fixtures, with Bristol City settling for a point at home to Ipswich Town in a fairly even encounter. Gerhard Struber’s side are in fifth place as they approach their ninth league match of the season, at home to QPR.

The Robins will be buoyed by their largely consistent form, a 3-1 defeat at home to Oxford United the only blot on their record so far. This will prove another tough test, though, as the R’s are unbeaten in five matches and have risen to 10th in the league following notable victories over Wrexham and Stoke City. Julien Stephan’s side were held to a 0-0 draw at home to Oxford on Wednesday, otherwise they would have leapfrogged Bristol City into fifth had they nicked a winner.

Bristol City predicted XI for QPR clash at Ashton Gate

GK - Radek Vitek: The Czech shot-stopper has kept three clean sheets in eight appearances since signing on loan from Manchester United. Max O’Leary is nearing his return from injury and recently played a full 90 minutes for the U21s, so may return to the squad and be named amongst the substitutes for the first time this season.

CB - George Tanner: Though a full-back by trade, Tanner filled in as part of the back three last time out as Zak Vyner went into midfield. Proved he is capable of starting in a deeper role.

CB - Rob Dickie: When on song, Dickie is powerful and composed at the back. The 29-year-old will relish the chance to face his former employers QPR at Ashton Gate.

CB - Rob Atkinson: Completing the Robins’ back three is Rob Atkinson, who scored a smart header at the near post against Ipswich last time out. Was forced off with an injury late on, but Struber will hope he is fit for selection on Saturday.

Midfield and attack

RWB - Mark Sykes: The only change from last time out, Sykes was rested to the bench against Ipswich following five consecutive starts on the right. He may be rotated with Nuno Borges and reinstated into the XI against QPR.

CM - Zak Vyner: Trusted by his manager to start in midfield following an injury to captain Jason Knight, centre-back Vyner looks set to start in the middle of the park once again amidst a continued lack of fit midfielders available to choose from. Showed his versatility in a solid outing against Ipswich.

CM - Adam Randell: Was busy as ever against the Tractor Boys and has increased responsibility on his back in the absence of Knight.

LWB - Ross McCrorie: The Scotsman has played on both flanks so far this season and may start on the left if Sykes returns to the XI. McCrorie is a crucial component of the side and Struber is likely to name him in the line-up whenever possible.

AM - Scott Twine: The Robins’ No.10 had a quiet evening in midweek but already has three goals and four assists so far this season, which he will hope to add to on Saturday.

AM - Anis Mehmeti: The Albanian international grabbed an assist for Atkinson’s goal on Tuesday and has offered a constant threat under Struber. He has only been taken off once so far this season and has contributed to 50% of the Robins’ 14 Championship goals.

ST - Emil Riis: Was not at his prolific best against Ipswich, but neither was substitute Sinclair Armstrong. The Dane has started every game so far this season and will look to add to his three goals for the club, offering his new employers another dimension up front since signing in the summer.