Bristol City’s predicted starting line-up against Cardiff City - with defender set for return

Bristol City entertain Severnside rivals Cardiff City at Ashton Gate on Saturday in the search of a first league double in 19 years.
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Top scorer Andreas Weimann scored a brace in the Welsh capital back in August which sets up the match nicely for the Robins, who will want to propel themselves up the table after recent back-to-back defeats to Fulham.

Steve Morison’s side are struggling at the moment and Nigel Pearson and his men could inflict further damage with the side from forty miles away currently embroiled in a relegation battle.

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Pearson didn’t give away much as to how his side might line up tomorrow as he’s a manager who keeps his cards close to his chest but we take a look at what the team might be once it’s announced at half eleven tomorrow.

Max O’Leary has yet to keep a clean sheet this season since displacing Daniel Bentley. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)Max O’Leary has yet to keep a clean sheet this season since displacing Daniel Bentley. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
Max O’Leary has yet to keep a clean sheet this season since displacing Daniel Bentley. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

There is still a debate on whether Max O’Leary or Daniel Bentley should start in between the sticks. Since O’Leary has come in for Bentley against QPR, he’s not kept a clean sheet, though that isn’t something Bentley did either.

O’Leary has won one game since his inclusion in the side and had to pick the ball out of the net six times last week.

The goals weren’t entirely his fault though and Fulham’s prolific attack have inflicted heavy defeats both before and after the match against City.

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O’Leary has made a number of good saves and seems a good option as a ball-playing goalkeeper, so for this match I’d keep him between the sticks.

In defence, there have been some setbacks with Nathan Baker not expected to return this season. Young defender Ryley Towler has also been injured with a back injury, so much so Pearson has reverted his priority in this window to a defender rather than a striker.

Back in August, City lined up in a flat back four against Cardiff, but the preferred option over the course of the season has been three centre-backs and two wing-backs.

Much has been said about why Rob Atkinson has been withdrawn from the side despite a good performance against Aleksandr Mitrovic, so he should be included there. He should line up with Tomas Kalas who is one of Pearson’s undroppables as well as Cameron Pring, who would play as a left-sided centre-back. They’ll have to contend with James Collins rather than the threat of Kieffer Moore but all three should do a capable enough job on a striker who has only returned two goals this year.

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On the left-flank may be Callum O’Dowda, who has struggled with his form as of late but is still a good option to have especially on how City’s pitch suits him.

Jay Dasilva has done alright since his recent introduction to the side and despite being a left-footed player could continue to play on the right hand flank.

Alex Scott could be the player that plays a big role in the Severnside Derby. (Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images)Alex Scott could be the player that plays a big role in the Severnside Derby. (Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images)
Alex Scott could be the player that plays a big role in the Severnside Derby. (Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images)

His place on the sides is mainly down to wanting to get the best out of Alex Scott who could be an important player in this match. Cardiff are physical but with pace in City’s side, they could tire their defence down and Scott could be there to exploit the gaps and tired legs. Also in the centre of the park would be Andy King and Han-Noah Massengo.

Matty James looks to be touch and go for this match but King is a capable replacement for him whilst Joe Williams is also knocking on the door. Given their status isn’t 100% confirmed, it’d be best suited to continue with the midfield.

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Up front would be the continued partnership of Antoine Semenyo and Andreas Weimann who are both on form at the minute. Semenyo’s brace against one of the Championship’s top sides will give him all the confidence as he continues to transition from a winger into a striker.

It’ll be difficult for him given the size and stature of Cardiff’s defenders but he’s shown that he can contend with them. Weimann meanwhile is City’s top scorer this season, despite not being an out-and-out attacking player. He’d be listed as a striker but he’d perhaps continue his freedom role where he comes back deep to claim the ball as well as pressuring the opposition full-backs.

Overall, not the wholesale changes from what was a heavy defeat but a side that could thrive in this kind of fixture.

Jordan Jones’ predicted Bristol City line-up against Cardiff City: Max O’Leary, Rob Atkinson, Cameron Pring, Tomas Kalas, Callum O’Dowda, Jay Dasilva, Alex Scott, Andy King, Han-Noah Massengo, Antoine Semenyo and Andreas Weimann.

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