Bristol City will be looking to earn a first Championship win of 2024 when they host Watford at Ashton Gate on Saturday afternoon.
City’s league form has plateaued of late, and they have failed to score in their last three matches – against Preston North End, Millwall and Birmingham City.
However, their FA Cup form has provided plenty of confidence around BS3.
Either side of their disappointing Preston defeat, Liam Manning’s side forced a replay against Premier League side West Ham with a draw at the London Stadium, before a top performance saw them knock the Hammers out of the competition in midweek.
Tommy Conway was on the scoresheet in both matches against David Moyes’ side, and City’s top scorer is set to lead the line once more on Saturday.
The Robins will also be boosted by the loan signing of Burnley attacking midfielder Scott Twine earlier this week.
Twine played under Manning at MK Dons and the City boss will be hoping Twine can have a big impact in the coming weeks.
City, though, will face no easy task. Since being defeated by the Robins 4-1 in the first match between the sides before Christmas, Watford have gone unbeaten in four matches.
Two wins against Chesterfield and QPR and a couple of draws against Stoke City and Plymouth Argyle have put Valerien Ismael’s side in a strong position.
Manning will be hoping for more of the same from his City team after their last match, and here’s how I think City will set up…
1. GK - Max O'Leary
The shot-stopper has played every minute for City this season and will be in between the sticks.
2. RB - Ross McCrorie
The Scot played 60 minutes against West Ham in midweek and could make his first Championship start for City tomorrow. George Tanner has been a consistent figure at right-back but has played a lot of minutes and could be rested.
3. CB - Zak Vyner
The strong defender has looked as comfortable as ever of late and will bring plenty of confidence to the defence.
4. CB - Rob Dickie
Dickie has developed a strong partnership with Vyner this season.