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:
5. LB: Jay Dasilva
Another chance for Dasilva to impress Pearson, who has yet to make a decision about his future. He scored in the win at the bet365 Stadium last year and will hope for the same again. | Getty Images Photo: Naomi Baker/Getty Image
6. CM: Omar Taylor-Clarke
Another start for the City youngster who is deserving of his chance. We’re only seeing the physical side of his game but there’s also a good technical player in there also. | Getty Images Photo: Dan Istitene/Getty Image
7. CM: Matty James
Jamo made a welcome return last week and he’s a massive miss when he’s not available. His experience will help Taylor-Clarke through the match. | Getty Images Photo: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images
8. CAM: Tommy Conway
The ten role is where Conway got his goal last week and that could be a way to accomodate the several attacking players City have. He could be limited to another hour however as he is still recovering from a hamstring tendon injury. | Getty Images Photo: Dan Mullan/Getty Images