Bristol Cityvs.Plymouth

At a time when the Robins sit in 12th place in the Championship table, the Pilgrims are down in 20th after their own run of poor form.

Match preview

In recent seasons, it has become clear that Bristol City and consistency do not go hand in hand, and that has proven to be the case yet again.

An eight-match unbeaten streak has been followed by three defeats in four games, leaving the Robins back down in mid-table.

Perhaps most frustratingly for head coach Liam Manning, the losses in question have come by one-goal margins against three of the top five in Sheffield United, Burnley and Watford.

On the flip side, ending Norwich City's prolonged unbeaten streak at Carrow Road should be regarded as a top achievement, one that has ultimately kept Bristol City within five points of the playoffs.

Nevertheless, just two wins have been recorded in eight games at Ashton Gate, something that must improve if they wish to stay in contention.

Staying on the topic of games at Carrow Road, Wayne Rooney claimed that the club's Under-18 players could have defended better than his Plymouth side did earlier this week.

The Pilgrims went down by a 6-1 scoreline, conceding twice in the opening 17 minutes and four times during 31 second-half minutes.

That brought an end to a three-match unbeaten streak in the second tier, that run having been necessary to keep Plymouth above the relegation zone.

Rooney's side make the trip to Bristol with one of the worst away records in English football, collecting two points, scoring three goals and conceding 23 times across a nine-game period.

Bristol City Championship form:

D

W

L

W

L

L

Plymouth Argyle Championship form:

D

L

W

D

D

L

Team News

Having proven his fitness across two substitute appearances, Scott Twine could be recalled in the final third for Bristol City.

George Earthy may also be restored at right wing-back, but the mass injury list at Ashton Gate reduces Manning's alternative options.

Lewis Gibson could feature in the Plymouth defence if he is passed fit. The 24-year-old was named on the substitutes' bench in midweek despite Rooney having little intention of using him.

Morgan Whittaker will likely miss out, but Adam Forshaw and Rami Al Hajj are both options to return in midfield and a creative role.

Joe Edwards and Ibrahim Cissoko remain among a group of seven players on the injury list.

Bristol City possible starting lineup:

O'Leary; Vyner, Dickie, McNally; Earthy, McGuane, Knight, Pring; Twine, Wells, Mehmeti

Plymouth Argyle possible starting lineup:

Grimshaw; Szucs, Pleguezuelo, Palsson; Sorinola, Forshaw, Gyabi, Mumba; Bundu, Al Hajj; Gray

We say: Bristol City 3-1 Plymouth Argyle

With Plymouth having been read the riot act by Rooney, an improved performance is anticipated at Ashton Gate. Nevertheless, Argyle's away record is abysmal, leading us to predict a comfortable home success for Bristol City.

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