Bristol City team news with two debuts given but Nigel Pearson takes precaution

Bristol City manager Nigel Pearson has handed out two debuts for his side’s first Championship game of the season against Hull City.

Mark Sykes, the first new face through the door this summer having signed for Oxford United starts, as does Kal Naismith who was prized away from Luton.

Sykes, predominantly a midfielder, is either likely to play as a right wing-back as he did against Bournemouth or in the ten, though Alex Scott, who also starts, played in that role in Dorset a week ago.

There was also a surprise start for Zak Vyner, who is named in a Robins starting line-up for the first time since the 3-1 away defeat to Swansea City back in February.

Asked on Monday about Vyner’s future at the club, Pearson said: “He’s one of the players contracted to us, where we can’t make any more acquisitions. We need to make sure all of our players in our squad get exposure in pre-season to make sure their game ready. Zak, to be fair to him, has had a good pre-season."

Vyner in his preferred role as centre-back plays alongside Naismith and Rob Atkinson with Timm Klose only a substitute for this match.

Matty James and Joe Williams act as the midfield enforcers in the centre of the park whilst Chris Martin and last season’s top scorer Andreas Weimann start up front in the absence of Antoine Semenyo.

Kane Wilson, who missed the win over Bournemouth last week is named on the bench, as Pearson acts cautiously on stopping any aggravation of a training ground knock he took a week ago.

Commenting on his team selection, Pearson said: ‘All the new players have settled in well. I’ve been really pleased with how Sykes has settled in. Kal has shown real leadership qualities too.

‘For Kane, he’s only had a day or two back training, it’s probably a bit of an ask. I’m pleased to go with the side that started last week.’

George Tanner, another option to consider at right-back is on the bench alongside Han-Noah Massengo who still can’t buy a start with a part of that owing to the ongoing contract situation which is at a stalemate.

Tommy Conway who signed a new three-year contract is an option off the bench with five substitutes permitted as is Nahki Wells, who is still biding his time for a starting opportunity.

Bristol City (3-5-2): Daniel Bentley, Rob Atkinson, Kal Naismith, Zak Vyner; Jay Dasilva, Matty James, Alex Scott, Joe Williams, Mark Sykes, Chris Martin and Andreas Weimann.