Bristol City host Swansea at Ashton Gate on Friday night to kick off the Championship weekend. The Swans are struggling in the early stages of the new campaign and have not won in three attempts.
The Robins, on the other hand, are coming off of a midweek 3-2 win against Reading away from home. Manager Nigel Pearson ended the team’s two-match winless streak and now, could lead the side to a second straight win against Swansea.
Weimann ⚽️O'Dowda ⚽️A great win against the Swans in 2019 is today's #ThrowbackThursday! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/hes5FAri0i— Bristol City FC (@BristolCity) August 19, 2021
Weimann ⚽️O'Dowda ⚽️A great win against the Swans in 2019 is today's #ThrowbackThursday! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/hes5FAri0i
The Swans have taken just one point this season from nine available. It was always expected from EFL pundits that Swansea would take a step backwards this season due to a change of managers and departure of players.
Although the team is playing more attractive football under Russell Martin, the Swans are not getting the results needed. Swansea have been outscored 5-2 by opponents in three games this season. Their previous away fixture ended in a 2-1 loss to Blackburn Rovers.
Bristol City have scored five goals and conceded five times across three games in the league. Their previous match at Ashton Gate in 2021-22 finished in a 1-1 draw with Blackpool.
In 2020-21, Bristol City took four points from four possible from Swansea. The Robins claimed a 1-1 draw at home thanks to a Nahki Wells second half penalty. The goal cancelled out a Swansea strike from Jamal Lowe earlier in the half.
The reverse fixture at the Liberty Stadium saw Bristol City win 3-1. After Swansea’s Andre Ayew scored from a penalty on 55 minutes, Bristol City got three goals in the final 24 minutes thanks to Wells, Kasey Palmer, and Antoine Semenyo.
Wells has played just once in Bristol City’s three games this season. There could be some friction between the 31-year-old striker and Pearson. With Wells’ recent record against Swansea, it makes since to start the attacker. However, Pearson may leave Wells on the bench once more.
As it stands, Pearson is unlikely to have Callum O’Dowda. The midfielder is nursing a knock. Meanwhile, Midfielder Joe Williams is ruled out with a thigh injury.
Martin has several players on the injury list. Kyle Naughton, Ryan Bennett, Liam Walsh, and Connor Roberts are all ruled out with injuries. Korey Smith and Tivonge Rushesha could both return from their respective fitness issues.
Bristol City claimed four points from six last season against a far better Swansea team. Now, with the Swans struggling, expect Bristol City to keep up their excellent record with a win on Friday night.