Mark Sykes is set to start against Cardiff CityMark Sykes is set to start against Cardiff City
Mark Sykes is set to start against Cardiff City | Getty Images

Bristol City predicted XI v Cardiff City: Robins set for key change as Burnley man misses out again

The Severnside Derby will kick-off at 12.30 PM on Saturday, March 2

Bristol City will be eager to make amends for back-to-back defeats when they host Cardiff City in the Severnside Derby on Saturday.

The Robins have frustratingly lost their last two Championship matches against relegation-fighting Queens Park Rangers and Sheffield Wednesday, which has distanced Manning's side from the top six.

Before that, the Robins impressively dismantled Premier League hopefuls Southampton at Ashton Gate and won away at Middlesbrough, and they will be hoping to get back to winning ways against their rivals.

Manning will have some big decisions to make on the day in terms of personnel and will be without several members of the squad through injury.

The manager confirmed on Thursday that Scott Twine will miss the match, while Matty James is a doubt.

However, the return of Kal Naismith will be a positive for the hosts, who have long been without defensive cover in both Naismith's and Rob Atkinson's long-term absences.

But, they will face no easy task. The Bluebirds are level with the Robins in the table on 44 points and go into the match off the back of a 2-1 against Stoke City.

Erol Bulut's side will look to cause problems from set pieces, which have provided 17 of their 39 league goals so far this term.

Rob Dickie and Zak Vyner will need to be on top form to prevent the visitors from adding to that tally on Saturday afternoon.

The last time these two met, Cardiff ran out 2-0 winners against an injury-stricken Robins, which proved to be Nigel Pearson's final game in charge.

Here's how I think the Robins will set up...

Before that, the Robins impressively dismantled Premier League hopefuls Southampton at Ashton Gate and won away at Middlesbrough, and they will be hoping to get back to winning ways against their rivals.