Preview: Bristol City vs. Stoke City - prediction, team news, lineups

Meanwhile, the Potters make the trip to Ashton Gate sitting one point adrift of their 16th-placed opponents in the standings.

Match preview

Having posted just two wins from 13 matches before the World Cup break, Nigel Pearson is aware that he can ill-afford more poor form from his side ahead of January.

However, the Robins produced a much-needed improve display last time out to register a 3-1 victory over Rotherham United, catapulting the club into 16th position.

Although just three points remain between themselves and the relegation zone, Bristol City now have some momentum having put together a three-match unbeaten run.

There is only a further three points to 11th place, highlighting the narrow margins that are involved between a promotion bid and a battle to avoid the drop.

Nevertheless, Pearson will attempt to remain in the present with Bristol City having failed to win any of their last four league matches at Ashton Gate.

From Stoke City's perspective, Alex Neil would have hoped that the enforced break would have helped his side reset ahead of moving up the table.

Instead, the Potters failed to convert a half-time lead as they drew 2-2 with Cardiff City, ensuring that they remain just two points above the bottom three.

While their form at the bet365 Stadium is costing them this campaign, the Potters have put together a respectable return on their travels, collecting 14 points from 11 fixtures.

However, Stoke have conceded two goals in three of their last four matches in the Championship, something which needs to improve now that Australia star Harry Souttar is back in the fold.

Bristol City Championship form:

L

D

L

D

D

W

Bristol City form (all competitions):

D

L

D

L

D

W

Stoke City Championship form:

L

W

L

W

L

D

Stoke City form (all competitions):

W

L

W

L

W

D

Team News

Andreas Weimann is an injury doubt for Bristol City after sustaining an ankle injury last weekend, forcing the Austria international off in the second half.

While his participation may lead to an unchanged XI, Zak Vyner and Jay Dasilva are both expected to return to the squad after illness.

Despite the disappointment of only drawing with Cardiff, Neil will give consideration to making no alterations to his Stoke XI.

Nick Powell may get the nod ahead of Will Smallbone in a creative role behind Liam Delap, but Souttar should continue in central defence after proving his fitness after a knee injury.

Goalkeeper Jack Bonham is expected to keep his place ahead of Josef Bursik between the sticks.

Bristol City possible starting lineup:

O'Leary; Tanner, King, Naismith; Weimann, Williams, James, Scott, Pring; Conway, Wells

Stoke City possible starting lineup:

Bonham; Clarke, Souttar, Wilmot, Tymon; Baker, Thompson; Campbell, Smallbone, Fosu-Henry; Delap

We say: Bristol City 1-1 Stoke City

Given the level of inconsistency which has plagued each side this campaign, this is an extremely difficult match to call. Feel free to accuse us of sitting on the fence, but we can only predict a low-scoring draw, one which would not necessarily suit either team.

Previews by email