Bristol City welcome Southampton to Ashton Gate in a stand-out Championship clash.
Victory would see Bristol City climb to 11th in the table if Watford lose elsewhere, whilst Southampton will stay second with a win although a draw or defeat would be enough if Leeds don’t better their result.
Team News
Cam Pring is a doubt for Bristol City after he suffered a knee injury during their win at Middlesbrough.
Scott Twine (quad) and Mark Sykes (hamstring) could return but Kal Naismith (hamstring), Rob Atkinson and Ayman Benarous (both ACL) remain absent.
Southampton will be without Flynn Downes due to a minor injury but Che Adams (knock) will be assessed and faces a late fitness test.
Joe Aribo remains absent with manager – Russell Martin having decided not to rush him back after his involvement in Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations Final defeat.
James Bree, Juan Larios and Ross Stewart (all hamstring) remain absent.
When is Kick-Off?
Bristol City host Southampton at 8pm GMT on Tuesday 13 February at Ashton Gate, live on Sky Sports in the UK.
Stat Attack
- Bristol City have won four of their last five five league meetings against Southampton (W4, L1).
- Southampton have won one of their last five league visits to Bristol City (W1, L4).
- Bristol City have won each of their last two home meetings against Southampton by a 2-0 result in February 2009 and November 2011 respectively
- Liam Manning’s Robins have lost two of their last three league matches at home by a 1-0 result.
- Southampton have scored first in each of their last four league matches away from home (W3, D1).
Prediction
Currently six points outside of the last play-off spot with an inferior goal difference, Bristol City just need to build upon the positives of their clinical win at Boro where they defended with discipline and took their chances clinically and the same will be needed if want to win here.
Martin’s Saints meanwhile can’t be any worse than they were in the first half against Huddersfield where they looked lacklustre and frustrated by the resilient Terriers, yet they showed their class to fight back in the second half even when Huddersfield reclaimed the lead.
Southampton therefore can’t afford to slip up here with Leeds and Ipswich hot on their heels but Bristol City have proven difficult to beat at home in recent weeks, so I expect Liam Manning’s Robins to cause issues and nick something if Southampton aren’t at their best.
Prediction: Bristol City 1-1 Southampton
Result: Bristol City 3-1 Southmpton
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