Bristol City are back in Championship action as they face Alex Neil for the third time this season in their trip to the bet365 Stadium.
The former Norwich City boss has had the Robins' number twice so far this season, first beating them when he was in charge of Sunderland back in August, before also registering a win at Ashton Gate. The Potters are in good form and won 4-0 against Coventry City in their last match, with their last league defeat coming on February 25.
Alex Scott, Kal Naismith and Tomas Kalas remain out, despite rejoining training this week, and are also unlikely to play against Middlesbrough. Mark Sykes is absent through suspension, and whilst he trains with his teammates, he can only watch on as City do without him. Injuries and suspensions have opened up opportunities for out-of-favour and younger players this season, and with not much left to play for now is the time to perhaps give other players an opportunity, though Pearson has already given several players their competitive debuts this season.
Pearson is the kind of manager that doesn't want to change things much, but it was revealed by him in his pre-match press conference that against Reading, goal scorer Tommy Conway was only meant to play the hour. The Scotland Under-21 international is still trying to properly recover from a hamstring tendon injury and that could come in to his thinking when he names his team for Friday.
Here’s our predicted Bristol City line-up to face Stoke City, as more than a 1,000 fans make the trip to Staffordshire:
1. GK: Max O’Leary
O’Leary is all but certain to play in every game now until the end of the season. Wiles-Richards may get a chance if results improve but it could serve a risk. | Getty Images Photo: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images
2. RB: George Tanner
Tanner’s set to hold down the role once more. Wilson is back and challenging him but right now Pearson prefers the former Man United youngster. | Getty Images Photo: Naomi Baker/Getty Images
3. Zak Vyner
Another start for Vyner, who remains the only available out-and-out centre-half at the club. A strong performance from him will be needed to stop a Stoke attack that scored four last time out. | Rogan/Fever Pitch Photo: Rogan/Fever Pitch
4. LCB: Cam Pring
Kal Naismith is yet to come back and so it looks like Pring will remain as a left-sided centre-back. He’s better going forward at left-back, but is doing his part for the team. | Getty Images Photo: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images