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

Only one point separates teams that are in eighth and 11th position in the standings respectively, but a win at Ashton Gate for either side could catapult them into the top six.

Match preview

After years of inconsistency, Bristol City supporters are craving a prolonged promotion push over spending months with little to play for during the back end of seasons.

As it stands, they were be delighted with their start to 2023-24, Nigel Pearson's delivering eight points from five games and losing just once, by a 2-0 scoreline to unbeaten Birmingham City.

Since then, the Robins have responded with a 1-1 draw at Hull City - another team that have impressed since the opening weekend - and a 2-1 victory at Swansea City.

Having trailed to an early goal, Bristol City netted twice in the opening 14 minutes of the second half to record their second away triumph of the season.

Pearson is yet to oversee a league victory at Ashton Gate, though, and he will hope that comes against one of his former teams.

West Brom appeared to be making considerable positive strides under Carlos Corberan having put together a three-match unbeaten run in the league.

In accumulating seven points from games against Swansea City, Leeds United and Middlesbrough, the Baggies were soon looking to break into the top six.

However, a surprise 2-1 defeat at the hands of Huddersfield Town has halted West Brom in their tracks, Jack Rudoni's netting a last-gasp winner at The Hawthorns.

Although Corberan will insist that the season is still in its early phase, the Spaniard will recognise that his players have passed up an opportunity to join the mix for top spot in the short term.

The West Midlands outfit are also yet to keep a single clean sheet, shipping nine goals from their five second-tier fixtures thus far.

Bristol City Championship form:

Bristol City form (all competitions):

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W

L

D

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W

West Bromwich Albion Championship form:

West Bromwich Albion form (all competitions):

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D

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L

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Team News

Barring any fitness issues, Pearson may look to select the same Bristol City starting lineup from the win at Swansea.

Taylor Gardner-Hickman came through 69 minutes on his first start for the club at right-back and is expected to keep George Tanner out of the side.

While Rob Dickie is available again after suspension, he has currently lost his place in the middle of the defence to Kal Naismith.

Of the players who missed the Huddersfield defeat, Semi Ajayi should be back in contention and may start ahead of Kyle Bartley.

Jeremy Sarmiento will also expect to earn a Championship debut at some stage, the Brighton & Hove Albion loanee an option to replace either Jed Wallace or Matt Phillips.

Bristol City possible starting lineup:

O'Leary; Gardner-Hickman, Vyner, Naismith, Pring; Williams, James, Knight; Sykes, Wells, Bell

West Bromwich Albion possible starting lineup:

Palmer; Furlong, Ajayi, Kipre, Townsend; Molumby, Yokuslu; Sarmiento, Swift, Phillips; Thomas-Asante

We say: Bristol City 1-1 West Bromwich Albion

With both teams possessing an air of inconsistency, this feels like a difficult match to predict. West Brom arguably possess the greater attacking threat, yet Bristol City have found ways to keep their points tally ticking over during the opening weeks of the season.

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