Two Championship promotion hopefuls meet at Ashton Gate this weekend as Bristol City face West Bromwich Albion.
Key Takeaways
- Bristol City are averaging a goal a game at both ends this season
- West Brom are the third highest scorers in the league
- West Brom have won three of the last five meetings to nil
This weekend's visitors came agonisingly close to a top six finish last season and will hope to secure one this time around. Meanwhile, Bristol City will be desperate to break a string of mid table finishes and give their fans something to cheer about in the form of a run at the playoffs.
Bristol City Form
It's been a decent start to the season for Nigel Pearson's side as they sit just outside the playoff places, having won two and drawn two of their five games thus far. Their only defeat during that time has come against a promising Birmingham City side, after going down to ten men.
Things are very slow and steady for City this term. They've scored five and conceded five, averaging a goal a game at both ends. While this may not exactly be enthralling to watch for their fans, it has delivered them a solid start and a platform to build on.
West Bromwich Albion Form
The highly touted Carlos Corberán often divides Baggies fans, but after narrowly missing out on the top six last season, he has rightfully been entrusted with the task of delivering on a playoff finish this year.
West Brom have had a middle-of-the-road start to the campaign, much like their opponents this weekend, picking up seven points from five games. However, unlike Bristol City, the Baggies are far from dull to watch. Both teams have scored in all five of their games. Three or more goals have hit the net in four of those. Only Norwich and Ipswich have scored more than Corberán's men so far.
Head-to-Head
West Brom have won three of the last five meetings between the two sides, to nil, with Bristol City picking up one win and the other game ending in a draw. On that basis, the visitors will be favoured to sweep The Robins aside this weekend.
Team News
Nigel Pearson will have to make do without some key players. Striker Tommy Conway was a major contributor last season, with 9 goals in 34 Championship games, but is likely to be out for a couple more weeks with a hamstring problem. Defender Robert Atkinson faces at least another month on the sidelines with an ACL injury. Ross McCrorie, summer signing from Aberdeen, may be ready to make his debut if he recovers in time from a virus.
West Brom Midfielder Adam Reach is fighting to overcome a muscle injury but this game will probably come to soon for him. Meanwhile, the visitors continue to be without USA international striker Daryl Dike, who is out with a ruptured achilles tendon and not expected back until December.
Key Players
Bermuda international striker Nahki Wells was Bristol City's top scorer last season with 11 goals and represents the club's biggest attacking threat again this campaign, especially in the absence of his striker partner Conway.
Turkey international Okay Yokuşlu is a huge part of Carlos Corberán's plans. His ability to break up play and set the team on the attack is a key component in allowing his teammates to get forward, create chances and score goals. He may not be the flashiest, but Baggies fans love him for all that he contributes.
Final Thoughts
It should be a tight game this weekend between two sides looking to give their fans a chance to dream of the Premier League. Bristol City will make it hard for The Baggies to score, as is their way, but in the end, the visitors should have too much for them. West Brom are favoured to win what should ultimately prove a close game.
Championship