Bristol City team news as Callum O’Dowda returns to Ashton Gate with Cardiff City

Birthday-boy Nigel Pearson makes one change to the Bristol City team that won in midweek for their Severnside derby match against Cardiff City.

Joe Williams comes in for Mark Sykes, who is currently unavailable through suspension after his dismissal on Tuesday’s 2-0 victory over Luton Town.

Alex Scott, who partnered Han-Noah Massengo in the middle against the Hatters, is expected to move into the right wing-back spot, as Williams comes into the centre.

Pearson names the same goalkeeper and back three that have started all five games so far this campaign, as Daniel Bentley, Rob Atkinson, Kal Naismith and Zac Vyner look to build on their clean sheet last time out.

The ever-present Jay Dasilva retains his place in the left wing-back spot, while star man Andi Weimann slots in just ahead of Massengo and Williams.

Nahki Wells and Tommy Conway complete the forward line, after the pair netted a goal each at Ashton Gate against Nathan Jones’ side.

Meanwhile for Cardiff City, Callum O’Dowda starts on his return to Ashton Gate, where he will have to get past City’s tricky teenager Alex Scott, who is celebrating his 19th birthday today.

The Bluebirds have made four changes with Joel Bagan coming in for Jamilu Collins, who is out for the rest of the season after sustaining a knee injury. Cedric Kipre returns to their starting XI after missing the draw with West Bromwich Albion due to them being his parent club.

Former Baggies midfielder Romaine Sawyers starts in the place of Cardiff’s club captain Joe Ralls, who is named amongst the seven substitutes.

On-loan Aston Villa man Philogence-Bidance who scored against Birmingham City drops to the bench with Sheyi Ojo and O'Dowda on the wings. Former Crawley Town striker Max Watters is on the bench.

Bristol City (3-5-2): Daniel Bentley, Rob Atkinson, Kal Naismith, Zak Vyner, Jay Dasilva, Joe Williams, Han-Noah Massengo, Alex Scott, Andi Weimann, Nahki Wells, Tommy Conway.

Cardiff City (4-3-3): Ryan Allsop, Mahlon Romeo, Cedric Kipre, Perry Ng, Joel Bagan; Andy Rinomhota, Romaine Sawyers, Ryan Wintle (C), Sheyi Ojo, Callum O’Dowda, Max Watters.