Last weekend’s 3-1 defeat at Leeds United left Bristol City in the bottom three and came after a five-match unbeaten run for the Robins.
They now face another team that have enjoyed an upturn in their fortunes recently, although’s Leicester’s resurgence continued when they beat in-form East Midlands Derby 3-1 last weekend.
Vital Quotes:
Keith Millen: “I look forward to having a drink and a chat with Sven after the game, but only if we have taken the points.
“It`s great to have someone of his standing coming to Ashton Gate and we`ll show him some good old Bristol hospitality.
“I have heard he likes a glass of red wine and I`ll be getting a bottle of something decent for him. But that`s as far as it goes.
“When it comes to the serious business on the pitch, I want to put one over him and win the game. Going up against someone like Sven is a fantastic challenge for me.
“You only have to look at his record to see how good a manager and a coach he is. He has won honours with big clubs in different leagues and, given what has happened in recent years, his record as England manager is beginning to look really good.
“I am just starting out in management and we are at completely different ends of the spectrum when it comes to experience and achievement in the game.”
Bristol City Team News:
Bristol City captain Louis Carey will miss the visit of Leicester.
Carey faces at least a fortnight out after a challenge by Leeds` Jonny Howson last weekend left him with a bruised shin and ankle.
Cole Skuse or Christian Ribeiro are likely to replace Carey at right-back, although Nicky Hunt is another option for manager Keith Millen.
‘That`s not the only selection issue, there are others I need to look at too,” said Millen. ‘We still need to do some work on Leicester, but the lads have been training well and it`s nice to have a full squad to choose from.”
On-loan Tottenham duo Steven Caulker and Danny Rose have returned unscathed from international duty with England`s Under-21s, so Nicky Maynard remains the only injury absentee.
Last season`s top scorer has not played this campaign because of a knee injury but the striker is expected to be back in action before Christmas.
Player to watch: Jon Stead
Six goals in all competitions and three assists. Jonathan has found a team he likes playing at.
Leicester Team News:
Leicester skipper Matt Oakley will be available after a knee injury but he is not guaranteed a place in the side.
The form of midfielders Yuki Abe, Richie Wellens and Andy King has been impressive and boss Sven-Goran Eriksson could be reluctant to make changes following last weekend’s 2-0 win over Derby.
Defender Miguel Vitor pulled out of the warm-up before last Saturday’s win against the Rams with a thigh strain and will be assessed closer to kick-off.
Eriksson has not yet made a decision over the three trialists currently training with the squad.
Cameroon goalkeeper Joslain Mayebi, Greek midfielder Ilias Kyriakidis and Benin striker Razak Omotoyossi all impressed in the reserves earlier this week.
Player to watch: Andy King
Its sometimes easy to pick out the top scorer, but he has hit seven so far this season and that is not to be sniffed at.
Match Facts & Stats
Bristol City have won three of their last six matches, but only six of their 17 points this season have been picked up at home.
The Robins are two goals away from their 1,500th at home in the second tier.
Ninety-eight of their 164 goal attempts in Championship games have been on target, which equates to one every 1.67 and is the highest proportion in the division.
Cole Skuse is hoping to make his 200th career appearance.
With 13 points from their last six matches, Leicester are joint top of the Championship’s ‘form table’.
The Foxes have lost only won of their seven league games under Sven-Goran Eriksson, winning four and drawing two.
They have had more goal attempts (233), and more shots on target (120) this season than any other team in the division.
A defeat would be the club’s 800th in the second tier.
Ref Watch:
Referee – Craig Pawson
Assistant 1 – Nick Hobbis
Assistant 2 – Andrew Rodda
Fourth Official – Mark Pottage.
Match Prediction:
Certainly not going to be easy, but I think Bristol City will come out of this one with the three points. 2-1 win.
Next Fixtures:
27/11 H: Sheffield United
4/12 A: Nottingham Forest
11/12 H: Derby County
18/12 A: Hull City
