Bristol City XI predicted to face Blackpool with Andi Weimann’s status unclear

Bristol City return to Championship action as they make the trip to Lancashire to face Blackpool at Bloomfield Road.

The Robins, unlike their opponents, were in action in midweek and claimed a win over Wycombe Wanderers in the Carabao Cup.

Nigel Pearson made a number of changes, giving opportunities to players who haven’t played as many minutes in the league.

Some players have given him food for thought when it comes to his team selection for his next game.

Here is the BristolWorld predicted Bristol City XI to face Blackpool.

Goalkeeper: Daniel Bentley

Another start for Bentley who is well and truly the number one at the club given his captain’s status.

Max O’Leary is his only challenger at the moment as Stefan Bajic steps up his recovery from surgery.

Centre-backs: Rob Atkinson, Kal Naismith and Zak Vyner.

There were rests for Rob Atkinson and Zak Vyner in midweek whilst Naismith was moved from the centre of a back three to the left which is his more favoured position in defence. A rest for two of the City defenders will have done them good, whilst for Naismith he continues to grow in confidence.

Wing-backs: Jay Dasilva and Kane Wilson

A goal against Wycombe has to earn Wilson a start in the absence of Mark Sykes, who remains suspended. Alex Scott was favoured there in the Severnside Derby but there’s different plans for Scott.

Dasilva was an unused substitute against Wycombe which is another boost as he will have preserved his match fitness.

Central midfield: Joe Williams, Han-Noah Massengo and Alex Scott.

In the potential absence of Andi Weimann, Scott should be tried as the midfielder that slots in behind the two strikers. It is his long-term position and he has the energy to come deep and do work in the centre of the park.

Williams was not amongst the squad on Wednesday as the club continues to take measures to manage his load but he should come back into the midfielder.

Han-Noah Massengo is tipped to start again having made a string of consistent performances despite the uncertainty of his long-term future at the club.

Strikers: Tommy Conway and Nahki Wells

Antoine Semenyo is back in contention and was on the score sheet in the midweek win but a player like him needs to be carefully managed to avoid losing him too quickly. Expect perhaps another cameo appearance from the Ghana international who could play the last half hour or so.

Given Weimann may not appear, it would be wise to continue with the strike partnership that served City so well in the Severnside Derby. Wells is getting some deserved game time whilst Conway is either assisting or scoring goals in every game he plays in.