Bristol City returned from their World Cup Finals-enforced break with a crucial 3-1 win at Rotherham United last weekend.
Joe Williams and Cameron Pring were on target as Nigel Pearson’s men claimed a valuable three points at the AESSEAL New York Stadium and created a three-point gap to the Championship relegation zone. With an Ashton Gate double-header against Stoke City and West Bromwich Albion and a visit to Millwall on the agenda for the next week, the Robins will hope to start looking up the table, rather than over their shoulders, by the time they have completed their trio of festive fixtures.
Once they are done, the focus will switch towards the January transfer window as Pearson looks to strengthen his squad in a bid to improve throughout the second half of the season. But how could the Robins look by the time the window closes at the end of January?
BristolWorld utilises the popular Football Manager 2023 game to predict what signings Pearson could make during the first month of the new year.
1. GK: Daniel Bentley
The Robins stopper remains a firm favourite of Nigel Pearson after starting every game in this virtual season. Photo: Marc Atkins
2. RWB: Calvin Ramsey
The former Aberdeen star joined City as part of a triple deadline day loan swoop. Photo: Nathan Stirk
3. LWB: Josh Wilson-Esbrand
Another loan addition as the Manchester City youngster joined City on the final day of the window and was instantly placed into a left wing-back role. Photo: Getty Images
4. CB: Kal Naismith
There were no changes at centre-back as Naismith takes his place alongside two current team-mates. Photo: Dan Mullan