Preview: Bristol City vs. West Bromwich Albion - prediction, team news, lineups

The Robins' inconsistency continued after a home loss against Stoke City, whereas Albion's winning run came to an abrupt end at Coventry City in midweek.

Match preview

Bristol City resumed their Championship campaign after the World Cup break in style a fortnight ago, when they put on an impressive display to beat Rotherham United 3-1 at the AESSEAL New York Stadium.

Unfortunately for Nigel Pearson, his side were unable to record back-to-back victories as goals from Liam Delap and Jacob Brown earned the visiting Potters all three points last weekend.

That result means the Robins have only won one of their last eight fixtures in all competitions, a run which includes a disappointing EFL Cup exit to League One side Lincoln City as well as defeats to Reading and Sheffield United.

City come into this festive period of fixtures in 18th place in the second-tier standings, three points above Blackpool in the highest of the relegation places - a gap Pearson's men will be desperate to extend as the season enters 2023.

Bermudan striker Nahki Wells netted his eighth goal of the season in the defeat to Stoke, with the 32-year-old no stranger to a prolific run of form at this level.

Carlos Corberan's West Brom were in a rich vein of form before a late Viktor Gyokeres penalty sentenced Albion to only their second loss under the stewardship of the ex-Huddersfield Town boss.

Five consecutive wins - all accompanied by clean sheets - represented a brilliant start to Corberan's era at The Hawthorns and gave an insight into what his talented group of players are capable of, while also suggesting the frightening extent to which the departed Steve Bruce had lost the dressing room.

Albion are now 16th in the Championship, five points away from the relegation zone but more interestingly for supporters just five points off the playoffs, a gap that a revitalised West Brom team will be confident in reducing over the next few weeks.

The Baggies continue to be a side that cross balls into the box more than any other team in the division, and they now have a suitable striker to take advantage of the excellent service provided by Jed Wallace and others, with the imposing Daryl Dike returning from a hamstring injury in recent matches.

It would not be surprising to see West Brom achieve what Steve Cooper and Nottingham Forest did last season in reaching the playoffs after spending the start of the campaign in the bottom three, and considering how tight the Championship is, Albion could be entering the top six sooner rather than later.

Bristol City Championship form:

D

L

D

D

W

L

Bristol City form (all competitions):

L

D

L

D

W

L

West Bromwich Albion Championship form:

W

W

W

W

W

L

Team News

Bristol City have missed the presence of Czech Republic international Tomas Kalas in their backline, with Pearson hoping the centre back will be available for their trip to Coventry on New Year's Day.

Rob Atkinson could regain his place in the Robins' starting XI on Monday after a falling out with boss Pearson, a reintroduction that may be hurried after Atkinson's replacement Andy King was at fault for both of Stoke's goals last weekend.

West Brom boss Corberan opted to rest Dike in the defeat at Coventry, with the striker only appearing off the bench as the club look to manage his minutes after a recurring hamstring problem over the past year, but the 22-year-old should replace Brandon Thomas-Asante in the starting lineup on Monday.

Semi Ajayi is back from injury and was an unused substitute at the Coventry Building Society Arena, and with Erik Pieters conceding the decisive penalty last time out, the Nigerian international could start for the first time since August alongside Dara O'Shea.

Grady Diangana has suffered from illness of late but should be in contention for a starting berth at Ashton Gate, with veteran Matt Phillips the likely candidate to drop out of the side to make room.

Bristol City possible starting lineup:

O'Leary; Vyner, Atkinson, Naismith, Pring; Weimann, Williams, James, Scott; Wells, Conway

West Bromwich Albion possible starting lineup:

Palmer; Furlong, O'Shea, Ajayi, Townsend; Yokuslu, Swift, Diangana, Rogic, Wallace; Dike

We say: Bristol City 0-1 West Bromwich Albion

Bristol City have arguably been the most inconsistent team in the Championship this season, and Pearson clashing with members of the squad will not be helping their aim of improving results.

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