Bristol City take on rivals Cardiff City in the Severnside Derby. Lee Johnson’s side have been disappointing since the restart and need a win to reignite their hopes of sneaking into the play-offs.
In contrast, Cardiff have been excellent since the restart, collecting seven points from their three matches. That positive start has seen Neil Harris’ team climb into the Championship top six.
Bristol City Welcome Severnside Derby Rivals Cardiff City
A Disappointing Restart For Bristol City
Bristol City head into this game knowing a win is imperative for their chances of securing a place in the top six. The Robins have stuttered losing all three of their games thus far. To put that in perspective, only City and QPR are yet to pick up a point since the season restart.
Their rotten run has seen the Robins lose six of their last eight Championship games. The pressure is mounting on Lee Johnson with familiar trends of previous seasons continuing to hunt his team.
They head into this derby on the back of a narrow defeat to Nottingham Forest. Despite plenty of effort at the City Ground, points continue to elude the Robins. To add insult to injury, they have lost defender Ashley Williams for three games after his straight red card.
With wins and points eluding his team, Lee Johnson may ramp up the changes this weekend. Filip Benkovic and Tomas Kalas are the natural replacements for Williams. Regular number one Daniel Bentley will be restored after Niki Maenpaa started at the City Ground. The Finnish goalkeeper last just 28 minutes before going off injured.
Famara Diedhiou and Jamie Paterson both started on the bench and could be recalled. A win over Cardiff will move City to within three points of their rivals. They will also close the gap on that coveted sixth spot.
Cardiff City Are Motoring Nicely
Its been an excellent start to the restart for Cardiff City. The Bluebirds have collected seven points from their three games, including excellent wins over Leeds United and Preston North End.
Neil Harris has certainly got a tune out of Cardiff since replacing Neil Warnock. They have lost just four league games since Harris arrived in November. Their terrific run of form has fired them into the play-off places. Cardiff know victory this weekend is imperative as they look to maintain their playoff spot.
Cardiff were held by a resolute Charlton Athletic in midweek so Harris may rotate his side. Lee Tomlin who has been Cardiff’s best player this campaign is likely to start against his former club.
Junior Hoilett, Will Vaulks and Callum Paterson were all substitutes in midweek and could be given a starting birth at Ashton Gate.
Cardiff will fancy their chances of heaping more misery on their rivals. Victory will see the Bluebirds maintain their play-off spot. They could also make ground on Nottingham Forest, Fulham and Brentford if results go in their favour.
Previous Meeting
Josh Brownhill scored the only goal as Bristol City collected an excellent win in the reverse fixture. Cardiff will be out for revenge in the latest Severnside Derby.
Prediction
A must-win game for both sides. Bragging rights and promotion hopes are on the line. Bristol City have lost their last three, Cardiff have collected seven points from their last three. The Bluebirds will want revenge after defeat in November.
A win for the home side could ignite their flailing promotion bid. Cardiff will cement sixth place with victory at Ashton Gate.
Bristol City 1-2 Cardiff City
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