Bristol City predicted XI vs Blackpool: Nigel Pearson to stick with in-form strike duo

They conceded a stoppage time goal to Preston North End that meant they had to accept a point having seen Antoine Semenyo net late on.

Nigel Pearson stuck with his trusted three

Blackpool are a team that are most strongest when they break on the counter-attack so Nigel Pearson will have to find a way to deal with this.

The City boss is keen to deploy his back-three system as it is settled, so the interesting thing will be the personnel that lines up.

As this is a repeat of the opening day fixture in which the Tangerines stole a late point, City will hope they can get this habit out of their systems and win on the road for the first time since October.

Although they have won one in their last five there is a feeling of optimism so there isn’t the need to make any wholesale changes.

Goalkeeper

Throughout the month of January Max O’Leary played in goal for every game, including in the Emirates FA Cup after displacing Daniel Bentley towards the end of the December.

It was a decision that left fans wondering if that meant Bentley, who is the club captain, may have January transfer window but no move was ever reported and he stayed put at Ashton Gate.

Despite not keeping a clean sheet so far, it is expected that O’Leary will continue between the sticks.

Defence

Timm Klose last week made his debut in the same week as he signed for City and he started in the centre of the central three with Tomas Kalas pushed out to the right-hand side and Cameron Pring on the left.

There is an option to include Zak Vyner back in the side but given there was no game in midweek there shouldn’t be an issue about whether Klose should play or not.

Midfield

In the midfield, one possible change could be Alex Scott moving to right wing back with Jay Dasilva remaining on the left hand-side. It would see Joe Williams come back in to the side replacing Callum O’Dowda and he would partner Han-Noah Massengo.

Forward

Expect minimal changes in attack given the good form of both Antoine Semenyo and Chris Martin who are building up a formidable partnership at the moment. Andreas Weimann who is the top scorer at the club this season should start behind them and don the captains armband.

It would be a big surprise to see Nahki Wells starting given the fact that the front three have been clicking really well recently.

Bristol City XI: Max O’Leary, Tomas Kalas, Timm Klose, Cameron Pring, Jay Dasilva, Joe Williams, Han-Noah Massengo, Alex Scott, Andreas Weimann, Chris Martin and Antoine Semenyo.