What channel is Bournemouth v Bristol City on? Kick-off time, TV & stream details, latest team news

Bristol City face one of their toughest challenges of the Championship season as they face AFC Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium.

In their last match, the Robins drew 2-2 with West Bromwich Albion, whilst the Cherries claimed a 3-0 win over promotion rivals Huddersfield Town.

Scott Parker’s men are 16 places higher than City with 25 points separating them, and that doesn’t include that Bournemouth have three games in hand.

A win today for the home side would strengthen their grip on second whilst an unlikely victory for City could at least lift them above Severnside rivals Cardiff City.

When does the match start?

It’s a traditional English kick-off time of 15.00 GMT at the Vitality Stadium.

What’s the latest team news for Bristol City?

There are three confirmed absentees for this match with Antoine Semenyo, Joe Williams and Tomas Kalas all out.

Semenyo has got a knee injury that ruled him out of Ghana’s World Cup play-offs and he has not yet recovered. There is no return date for him as Nigel Pearson manages him carefully.

Williams is out with a hamstring injury though is close to making a return to the pitch, though he is another player that will be closely monitored.

Tomas Kalas, misses out with a groin problem. He has missed the last three matches but Pearson has spoken previously that a rest would work for him after two consecutive years of non-stop football.

Alex Scott was another player who missed international duty, though he was pulled out before he was due to link up with the England Under-19’s.

Callum O’Dowda and George Tanner are also uncertainties ahead of this match after spells on the sidelines.

What’s the latest team news for Bournemouth?

Jefferson Lerma played 76 minutes for Colombia in midweek and will be closely assessed on his fitness after making the long haul trip.

Goalkeeper Mark Travers pulled out of the Republic of Ireland squad with a quad injury but is expected to be fine for today’s match. Robbie Brady is close to a return and could be on the bench but both Kieffer Moore and Junior Stanislas are not near.

Former City defender Lloyd Kelly is the regular captain and will come up against the side that gave him his start in professional football.

Bournemouth’s top goal scorer this season is Dominic Solanke with 23 goals in 36 appearances, Danish midfielder Phillip Billing has created the most goals in the squad with eight assists from 30 games.

Form guide and head-to-head

Bristol City have won just one of their last five Championship games, so they aren’t in the greatest run of what is one of the toughest Championship tests.

The hosts have won three of their last meetings against City and are looking to win for the fourth time in a row for the first time.

Bristol City’s last win at Bournemouth was back in 2006 with Phil Jevons scoring the winner that day.

City shade it when it comes to the all-time head-to-head records with 38 wins to their 29 whilst there have also been 23 draws.

Referee

Stephen Martin has been appointed the referee and he will be assisted by Mark Pottage and Adam Crysell.

Martin comes from Staffordshire and took charge of the defeat toNottingham Forest back in October. He has overseen 28 games this season, brandishing 86 yellow cards and four reds.

How to watch the match

There is no live stream for this match as it is being played during the television blackout hours.

For those not making the trip to Dorset, you can watch the highlights on the EFL on Quest which airs on Quest TV and Discovery+ at 21.00 GMT.

Highlights will also be made available on each clubs YouTube channel as well as Robins TV.