A difficult game lies in store for the Robins tonight when they travel to take on high-flying Swansea at the Liberty Stadium.
City are desperate for something from this game to keep our hopes up of easing relegation fears, Swansea will still be buzzing after beating local rivals Cardiff on their own patch last time out.
Vital Quotes:
City boss Keith Millen…: “They [Swansea] are happy to have possession, they don’t always chase the game so quite often there aren’t that many goalmouth chances.
“It is England versus Wales and I know our fans see it as a key game so I am sure it will be a cracking atmosphere.”
City left-back Jamie McAllister…“You get more confidence the more you win games and you get points out of games.
“The boys are full of confidence at the minute. We’ve not achieved anything yet, we’ve had a little run and we want to continue that and build on it.”
Swansea Team News:
Swansea midfielder Darren Pratley is back in contention for the visit of Bristol City following suspension.
Pratley missed last Sunday’s derby win at Cardiff after reaching five yellow cards, but Mark Gower (hamstring) returned from a four-game absence and manager Brendan Rodgers must now decide whether to make any unforced changes.
Rodgers also has Kemy Agustien (knee) available after the Dutch midfielder returned to Sunday`s squad and came through unscathed after coming on as a substitute for the last eight minutes.
However, Marvin Emnes will play his last game for the Welshmen.
The Dutch striker, who has scored twice in four appearances for the Swans since arriving on loan from Middlesbrough last month, will not be allowed to appear against his parent club next weekend and will return to the Riverside.
Player to watch: Scott Sinclair
The player that City wanted, fast, knows where the goal is and has hit seven in twelve games so far this season.
Bristol City Team News:
Cole Skuse has been added to the Bristol City squad for the trip.
The midfielder returned to training towards the end of last week after almost a month out with a heel injury, but missed Saturday’s draw against Preston after feeling some discomfort.
However, Skuse has since had an injection to cure the problem and will be available at the Liberty Stadium.
Defender Christian Ribeiro (groin) and striker Sam Vokes (hamstring) are set to miss out again.
Nicky Maynard, last season’s topscorer, is on course to return around Christmas time after undergoing knee surgery at the start of the season.
City remain in the bottom three after picking up a point against North End at the weekend.
Player to watch: David James
Improved from the early form he showed when he first joined City. Will have to be on top form to keep the Swans at bay tonight.
Match Facts & Stats
Swansea and Bristol City have each won 17 of the 50 previous matches between these clubs.
Swansea have conceded only one league goal at home this season.
A defeat would be the club’s 400th at home in the league.
No team has won fewer Championship matches this season than City, who have managed only three victories.
The Robins are scoring a goal per game on average, with 15 goals from their 15 matches.
Ref Watch:
Referee – Graham Scott
Assistant 1 – Andy Davies
Assistant 2 – Lee Swabey
4th Official – Wayne Barratt
Match Prediction:
SWANSEA 1-1 CITY
There’s nothing to feel too happy about this one but I’ll be optimistic and say 1-1.
Next Fixtures:
13/11 A: Leeds United
20/11 H: Leicester City
27/11 H: Sheffield United
4/12 A: Nottingham Forest
