Southampton aims to secure its fifth consecutive victory in the Championship when they visit Ashton Gate on Tuesday evening to face Bristol City.
The Saints currently hold the second spot in the table, trailing the leaders Leicester City by 11 points with a game in hand.
On the other hand, Bristol City is positioned 13th, trailing the playoff spots by six points in the English football’s second tier.
Match preview
Bristol City exited the FA Cup on penalties against Nottingham Forest on Wednesday but made an impressive comeback in the Championship with a 2-1 win over Middlesbrough last Saturday.
This victory placed Bristol City 13th in the Championship table, with 11 wins, eight draws, and 12 defeats from 31 matches, accumulating 41 points.
The Robins are just six points away from the playoffs in the second tier. A triumph over Southampton on Tuesday would undoubtedly boost their confidence.
Liam Manning’s side has shown inconsistency at home this season, garnering 21 points from 15 matches. They will host a Southampton side that has collected 29 points from their 15 away games in the second tier this season.
Bristol City defeated Southampton 2-0 in their last clash at Ashton Gate in November 2011, but the Saints won 1-0 in the reverse match at St Mary’s earlier this season.
Southampton finished at the bottom of the Premier League last season and dropped into the Championship. However, they are firmly in contention for an immediate return to the top flight.
The Saints have recorded 19 wins, seven draws, and four losses in their 30 league games this season, amassing 64 points, placing them second in the table. They are one point ahead of third-placed Leeds United in a compelling battle for the position behind Leicester.
Russell Martin’s side has clinched victory in their last four Championship matches, including a 5-3 win over Huddersfield Town last Saturday, where they scored three times in the final 10 minutes to seal the win after trailing 3-2.
Southampton has four more Championship fixtures against Bristol City, West Bromwich Albion, Hull City, and Millwall before heading to Liverpool in the fifth round of the FA Cup at the end of the month.
Bristol City Championship form: LLDDLW
Bristol City form (all competitions): DDDLLW
Southampton Championship form: WDWWWW
Southampton form (all competitions): WWDWWW
Team News
Bristol City will be missing five players due to injuries: Scott Twine, Mark Sykes, Kal Naismith, Rob Atkinson, and Ayman Benarous.
The home side has no new fitness concerns following their match with Middlesbrough, and it is likely that the same XI will take the field for this contest.
Jason Knight scored his third league goal of the campaign against Boro and is expected to continue in the final third, while Nahki Wells should also start.
For Southampton, Juan Larios, Ross Stewart, and James Bree are confirmed absentees. Joe Aribo is with the Nigeria squad preparing for the Africa Cup of Nations final, making his involvement unlikely.
Flynn Downes was substituted in the first half of the Huddersfield clash, and Joe Rothwell, his replacement, scored a brace. The 29-year-old is now set to feature in the XI.
David Brooks and Sam Edozie are vying for a place in the side, but Adam Armstrong and Che Adams are likely to retain their starting roles for the Tuesday night clash.
Bristol City possible starting lineup:
O’Leary;
Tanner, Vyner, Dickie, Pring;
Bell, James, Gardner-Hickman, Cornick;
Knight, Wells
Southampton possible starting lineup:
Bazunu;
Walker-Peters, Harwood-Bellis, Bednarek, Manning;
Smallbone, Rothwell, S Armstrong;
A Armstrong, Adams, Fraser
Prediction: Bristol City 1-2 Southampton
Southampton will aim for their 20th Championship win of the campaign on Tuesday evening, facing a resilient Bristol City outfit. While a draw wouldn’t be surprising, we have a feeling that the Saints will secure a vital three points.
