With the FA Cup fourth round replays coming to an end this evening, Bristol City will already be looking forward to their fifth round tie against Manchester City after thrashing West Brom last month. The meeting with the Premier League champions is their first since the two-legged Carabao Cup semi-final five years ago.
The Robins’ run in the Cup during the 2017-18 season was a memorable one as they fought off the likes of Watford, Crystal Palace and Manchester United to face Pep Guardiola’s side in their first major semi-final since 1989. After shocking Man United with a 2-1 win at Ashton Gate in December, City were confident of causing another upset against another Premier League outfit.
However, it wasn’t to be as Man City won both legs and went onto win the whole competition - however it wasn’t as easy as expected for the eight-time champions as the aggregate score ended 5-3. While most of the starting line-up from their second leg fixture no longer play for Bristol City, the new-look team will be once again eager to put on a performance.
Ahead of the Carabao Cup fifth round clash later this month, we take a look at the eleven that suffered defeat to City in 2018.
1. Luke Steele
Steele joined Bristol City from Panathinaikos in 2017 and only made 10 appearances before he was released at the end of the season. The 38-year-old has since played for Nottingham Forest, Millwall, Stamford, Notts County and Deeping Rangers.
2. Hordur Magnusson
After signing for Bristol City in 2016, Magnusson made 61 appearances for the Robins and also featured in every game of their Carabao Cup run. The defender signed for CSKA Moscow in 2018 and now plays in Greece with Panathinaikos.
3. Bailey Wright
Wright joined Bristol City from Preston North End in 2017 and was announced as the club captain six months later. The Australia international made 83 appearances for the Robins before joining Sunderland. After winning promotion to the Championship with the Black Cats, Wright has recently signed for Rotherham United on loan.
4. Aden Flint
Flint made 246 appearances for the Robins and helped them win the League One title and the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy in the 2014-15 season. The centre-back scored Bristol City’s second goal in their defeat to Man City and has since played for Middlesbrough, Cardiff City, Stoke City and Sheffield Wednesday.