So here we go for season 2022/23 and the Robins’ eighth consecutive Championship campaign. The West Country club have managed to keep hold of all of their key players this summer and added several smart acquisitions on free transfers (with just training compensation paid to Forest Green Rovers for Kane Wilson) to boost supporters’ hopes that Nigel Pearson’s side can be a dark horse to make the top six this coming campaign.
The bookies don’t see too much chance of success for Bristol City but there is likely to be improvement on last year’s 17th league placing. The question might be how much improvement. Only six teams scored more than City’s 62 goals, and three of those were promoted. But the problem was the other end: only two sides conceded more than City’s 77.
A fine pre-season, new signings in key positions and the retention of the stars means that the club should head in the right direction, all starting at Hull City on Saturday. Anything less than a mid-table finish could heap pressure on Pearson and would disappoint given the string of young talents on the books at Ashton Gate.
It begins in Humberside on Saturday afternoon and already there are some things to contend with such as injuries to Antoine Semenyo and Tomas Kalas, who are set to miss the season opener and the first part of the season.
Fortunately City’s transfer business has them primed and ready for the season ahead. Below is how we think City will line up at the MKM Stadium come 14:00 on Saturday, July 30.
Predicted finish: 12th.
1. GK: Dan Bentley
The skipper is a must-start and the Bristol City no.1 has consistently taken the goalkeeper jersey in pre-season. Photo: Fever Pitch
2. CB: Timm Klose
Shared 45 minutes with Zak Vyner on the weekend as the battle for the right centre-back spot hots up. Tomas Kalas looks the ideal fit here in the long-term but because of injury we suggest Klose’s experience gets the nod here. Photo: Jan Kruger/Getty Images
3. CB: Kal Naismith
The key summer signing has been playing centrally in pre-season and should get the nod here. Naismith’s integration could signpost exactly where this City side is going - if the Scot does well then likely so do the men from Ashton Gate. Photo: Fever Pitch
4. CB: Rob Atkinson
The left-footed centre-back is a sure bet on the left side of defence. Atkinson will be expected to build on his first season last year at Championship level. Photo: Marc Atkins/Getty Images