Bristol City team news: Surprise GK change and midfielder omitted for PNE clash

Nigel Pearson has handed Max O’Leary a first start of the season as Bristol City make four changes for their matchup against Preston North End.

Saturday’s 3-0 thrashing at the hands of Birmingham City meant changes were expected, but it was predicted that Frenchman Stefan Bajic would be the most likely man to replace Daniel Bentley.

The switch between the sticks is one of four changes, as Timm Klose, Joe Williams and Antoine Semenyo also come in.

It is the first time this campaign that Bentley hasn't started - he has played in all 15 of the Robins matches up until tonight.

Zak Vyner and Rob Atkinson retain their places in the starting lineup, as Klose is brought in for Andy King in the middle of the back three.

Mark Sykes and Jay Dasilva take up the wingback roles, despite far from convincing performances at the weekend.

Youngster Alex Scott partners Williams in the middle of park, as Han-Noah Massengo is left out of the 18-man squad for the clash with the Lilywhites.

Out-of-form Andi Weimann captains the side from the attacking midfield position, with Tommy Conway leading the line alongside Semenyo, who comes in for Nahki Wells.

Line-up (3-5-2):

O’Leary, Vyner, Klose, Atkinson, Sykes, Williams, Scott, Dasilva, Weimann, Conway, Semenyo.