The bitter rivalry between Bristol City and Swansea City will be reignited today as Liam Manning’s men make the short trip across the M4 to South Wales.
It’s a contest which promises to excite, with a capacity crowd expected at the Swansea.com Stadium, while the Sky Sports cameras will be televising the action live. The Robins did the double over the Swans last season and have just lost once in their previous six encounter’s.
City will go into the fixture full of confidence as they produced an impressive comeback win against Manning’s former side Oxford United last week. Sinclair Armstrong and Haydon Roberts excelled in the 2-1 triumph at Ashton Gate, with the powerful striker and Nahki Wells on the scoresheet to pick up a much-needed three points.
While the victory lifted the Robins up to 13th, their opposition this afternoon have made a solid start to the campaign. Luke Williams’ men have three wins, one draw and two losses to their name as they sit seventh in the table ahead of this weekend’s second-tier fixtures.
Despite the rivalry being renewed, Manning made it clear the occasion will not affect his side’s preparations for the contest as they look to end Swansea’s unbeaten start to the campaign on home soil.
The City boss will be boosted by the potential returns of Rob Atkinson, George Earthy and Ross McCorie after Manning reported positive news over the trio as they close in on completing their injury comebacks. It remains to be seen whether today’s fixture will come too soon, though.
Meanwhile Yu Hirakawa will be pushing for a place in the starting XI after an impressive cameo off the bench last week against the U’s saw him play vital roles in both of the Robins’ second-half goals.
Here’s how we think City will line-up against Swansea today.
Goalkeeper and defence
After Max O’Leary’s struggles against Blackburn Rovers a fortnight ago, the 27-year-old put his poor performance behind him against Oxford United last week. While the Ashton Gate academy product couldn’t keep a clean sheet, his display, nonetheless, renewed his confidence as he produced a number of solid stops as well as progressive distribution.
In front of O’Leary, George Tanner will be almost certain to line-up at right-back having been named in the starting XI in every game so far this season in all competitions. With Manning having limited options at right-back through McCrorie’s injury, the City boss could be boosted against the Swans after the Scotland international completed 45 minutes for the Young Robins’ game against Swansea Under-21s on Monday.
At the heart of the backline, Zak Vyner and Luke McNally’s partnership continues to grow, with the pair lining up at centre-back in the previous two league games. A much more solid showing was on the cards during the second half against Oxford United as the duo controlled the play and were strong to deny the U’s a way back into the game.
But it’s at left-back which will be the biggest talking point. Roberts was given the nod ahead of regular starter Cam Pring for the first time this season as the 22-year-old was rewarded with a place in the starting XI. After Manning placed his trust in the former Brighton prospect, an impressive attacking and defensive display made the defender one of the standouts of the afternoon. It will be intriguing to see whether the City boss favours the more attacking Roberts or returns to Pring.
Midfielders
The three in the centre of midfield has yet to be tinkered with by Manning this season. Joe Williams, Jason Knight and Max Bird have started together in all six Championship games to date.
Yet, that could change this weekend should the City boss want to bring in Hirakawa to the starting XI. The winger has replaced Williams from the bench in the previous two league fixtures and has impressed. Should this be the case, Bird would drop in next to Knight in the holding role while Hirakawa moves out to the right wing.
Anis Mehmeti was one of three changes to the side last week and could continue to hold his place in the starting XI. A fine first-half performance saw the former Wycombe talent almost get his name on the scoresheet but was denied by Jamie Cumming on three attempts. With Hirakawa assuming the right-wing role, Mehmeti could move inside into the number 10 position or out on the left.
Scott Twine looked back to his best on Saturday and was a real danger for the U’s as he linked up with Roberts down the left flank on a number of occasions. After moving inside to the advanced midfield role from the left wing, the 25-year-old and Mehmeti could interchange between roles on Sunday.
Attack
It would be easy to say Armstrong will be the man to lead the line for City against Swansea. Yet, Manning has spoken highly of Wells throughout the week after netting the winner against Oxford United last week. This has thrown the experienced front man right back into the mix for a place in the starting XI.
But, Armstrong showed his quality against the U’s as he utilised his pace and power and caused all kinds of problems for Des Buckingham’s men. Another goal to his name too would’ve done the 21-year-old the world of good going into Sunday’s feisty encounter.
Bristol City predicted line-up (4-2-3-1): Max O’Leary; George Tanner, Zak Vyner, Luke McNally, Haydon Roberts; Max Bird, Jason Knight; Yu Hirakawa, Anis Mehmeti, Scott Twine; Sinclair Armstrong.