Swindon Town play hosts to Bristol City at the weekend and it’s reaching the stage when City need to win a game or two before it’s too late.
Swindon will of course prove to be a tough cookie to crack, they are sitting just in the top half of the table with eight points from seven games so far, three of those games have come at home where Town have won two and lost one. They have also hammered home eight on their own patch while conceding just two.
City are having a torrid time. No wins in the league at all and they occupy 21st place with just four points and they have let in 16 goals from their seven games.
But we keep getting told to keep the faith as things will apparently change soon, hope that change comes sooner rather than later.
Vital Quotes:
Aiden Flint on his return to Swindon: ‘I’m trying not to take any notice of it. It’s all new to me and I want to concentrate on my own game.
‘I’m looking forward to going back and seeing some old faces but derby games are always difficult.
‘I think it will be a hostile reception but I’m man enough to take that.
‘Hopefully we’ll be taking three points back to Bristol.’
Swindon Town Team News:
Swindon defender Alex Smith will miss the game with Bristol City this weekend.
The former Fulham man is out of action because of a knee problem which needs a scan. Tijane Reid is sidelined with a knee injury, as well as playmaker Alex Pritchard.
Nathan Byrne serves the second of a three game ban.
In-form Ryan Mason looks set to keep his place.
Player to watch: Ryan Mason
Four goals in the league from four games, he’s definitely on form
Bristol City Team News:
Jordan Wynter and Neil Kilkenny are both available for Sean O’Driscoll’s side. Both players had suffered knocks, but they have both stepped up to full training.
But its bad news about Stephen Pearson who is going to be out for the next six months with an ankle problem, he last played in April.
Jay Emmanuel-Thomas is looking for another goal after scoring once again against Shrewsbury on Tuesday night.
Ryan Taylor returns to light work outs after recovering from an ankle complaint.
Player to watch: Jay Emmanuel-Thomas
Who else could you pick?
Match Facts & Stats
Swindon have kept a clean sheet in 45% of their last 20 home games.
Swindon have failed to score in 20% of their last 20 home games.
Bristol City have kept a clean sheet in 10% of their last 20 away games.
Bristol City have failed to score in 40% of their last 20 away games.
Ref Watch:
Referee: Anthony Taylor
Assistants: Lee Swabey and Ian Cooper
Fourth Official: Stephen Bratt
Match Prediction:
3-1 to Swindon Town. Well you did ask!!
Next Fixture:
Southampton – away – League Cup – 24/09
