Bristol City entertain Blackpool at Ashton Gate in front of the Sky Sports television cameras as they seek their first win since mid-February. The Robins avoided back-to-back defeats in the league with a goalless draw against Huddersfield Town after losing to Cardiff City in the Severnside Derby.
City had several chances to beat the Terriers and had a penalty appeal turned down, before surviving a late scare at the John Smith's Stadium. It was described as a 'missed opportunity' given how Huddersfield were bottom before playing and a victory against the lowly side could have taken them in to the top-half of the table, and narrowed the gap in the play-off race.
In addition to what Nigel Pearson revealed on Tuesday, which was that Joe Williams would be done for the season and Tomas Kalas would be out for the next few weeks, they have another injury to contend with. Matty James had an ankle injury from Tuesday's draw and he is being assessed ahead of kick-off.
City's injury crisis has come at the wrong time, and whilst players are making a recovery, they are still a few weeks away from being in contention. Several players have waited for an opportunity and now they must take it through this difficult period, and return to winning ways after a relatively positive start to the year.
The defence all but chooses itself with not many options to choose from, but in midfield and attack there is at least some space to manoeuvre and make changes. Blackpool's lowly status might signal that City will have most of the ball, and they must ensure they do not waste it against the Tangerines. This is the Robins XI that we think Pearson will send out at Ashton Gate.
1. GK: Max O’Leary
Not included in the Ireland squad - and he might use that as motivation to deliver a strong performance. Photo: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
2. RB: George Tanner
Signed a new contract this week and will be determined to prove why he’s worth it. Photo: Naomi Baker/Getty Images
3. RCB: Zak Vyner
Out-of-contract at the end of the season but an option to be extended. Vyner is who City depend on at the moment. Photo: Catherine Ivilll/Getty Images
4. LCB: Cameron Pring
Pring will remain at centre-back until Kalas returns or maybe Kal Naismith. Photo: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images