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.
5. RWB: Alex Scott
With injury doubts over several potential wing-backs, it could open the door for Scott to get into the current side. The England U19 player played wide right against Exeter City and again started against Bournemouth. With Wilson nursing an ankle injury, we predict Scott to trump Tanner here, though it could easily be a case of Tanner starting and Scott on the bench given his busy summer of international action. | Getty Images Photo: Alex Davidson/Getty Images
6. CM: Matty James
One of Pearson’s key lieutenants and one of the first names on the team sheet. Sure to start unless injured. | Rogan/Fever Pitch Photo: Rogan/Fever Pitch
7. CM: Joe Williams
May have to be held back at times this season to avoid any further hamstring issues but another highly likely to start when fit. Will be ahead of Andy King or Han-Noah Massengo in the pecking order. | Rogan/Fever Pitch Photo: Rogan/Fever Pitch
8. LWB: Jay Dasilva
The left wing-back’s renaissance under Pearson is highly likely to continue, especially with Cam Pring unavailable recently due to a knee injury. | Fever Pitch Photo: Fever Pitch