Leeds United are heading to Ashton Gate to play against Bristol City on Friday night, aiming for their fifth win in a row in the Championship.
While Leeds has a chance to climb to second place, Bristol City is currently in 13th position.
Match preview
Daniel Farke might have been worried about Leeds’ performance after a disappointing December, but January turned out to be their best month yet.
They achieved five wins and a draw from six games, with the only draw against Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup fourth round.
Despite making several changes for that game, Leeds’ consistent lineup in the league has secured four consecutive victories, scoring nine goals and conceding only one.
Even though they haven’t been at their strongest in the last three games, wins against Preston North End and Norwich City show Leeds’ ability to secure tough victories.
Their last away game in the Championship saw them winning 3-0 against Cardiff City, despite having lost six out of 14 away games.
Bristol City’s manager, Liam Manning, is facing inconsistent results but remains hopeful, especially after not losing to West Ham United and Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup.
Bristol City hasn’t won a Championship game since Boxing Day, impacting their playoff hopes. However, they aim to focus on the league, especially with important matches coming up.
A win on Friday could bring them within three points of the top six, making this match crucial before facing Middlesbrough and Southampton.
Bristol City Championship form: W D L L D D
Bristol City form (all competitions): D L W D D D
Leeds United Championship form: L L W W W W
Leeds United form (all competitions): W W W W W D
Team News
Nahki Wells might be replaced by Tommy Conway in Bristol City’s attack after scoring against Coventry.
Ross McCrorie could play as right wing-back, and Matty James and Harry Cornick might return due to the quick game schedule.
Scott Twine is out with a thigh injury, along with Rob Atkinson, Kal Naismith, and Mark Sykes.
Leeds will likely bring back Archie Gray, Junior Firpo, Glen Kamara, Daniel James, Crysencio Summerville, and Patrick Bamford, who were rested for the FA Cup game.
Pascal Struijk and Stuart Dallas are injured, and any new players must be signed by Thursday noon to play in this match.
Possible starting lineups:
Bristol City: (3-4-2-1)
O’Leary;
Tanner, Vyner, Dickie;
McCrorie, Williams, Gardner-Hickman, Pring;
Knight, Mehmeti;
Conway
Leeds United: (4-2-3-1)
Meslier;
Gray, Rodon, Ampadu, Firpo;
Gruev, Kamara;
James, Rutter, Summerville;
Bamford
Prediction: Bristol City 1-2 Leeds United
Bristol City has shown they can compete with top teams at home. However, Leeds’ current form might be too strong for them, possibly leading to a close win for Farke’s team.