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…
5. LB - Cam Pring
Pring has been in top form in recent weeks and his pace and power will cause Watford problems on the left. | Getty Images
6. CM - Joe Williams
The scouser is enjoying the best spell of his City career and is one of the first names on the teamsheet. | Getty Images
7. CM - Taylor Gardner-Hickman
TGH has been growing in confidence this season and his eye for a pass may prove crucial against the Hornets. | Getty Images
8. RM - Sam Bell
Bell looked sharp off the bench against West Ham and could start on the right if Mark Sykes isn't fit in time. | Getty Images