Championship | Gameweek 32

Feb 12, 2025 at 7.45pm UK

Ashton Gate

Bristol City vs Stoke

Match preview

Bristol City are chasing a play-off spot in the Championship as they seek promotion to the Premier League for the first time, having last played in the top flight in 1982, before the inception of the Premier League.

The Robins have enjoyed a solid season in pursuit of that goal and currently sit ninth in the table, just three points off the play-off places, with 42 points from 31 games.

Liam Manning, in charge since November 2023, has guided the side to 10 wins, 12 draws and nine defeats from their 31 league outings, but his side have suffered a dip in form in recent weeks.

Bristol City have won just one of their last six games in all competitions, five of which have been in the Championship, a run that threatens to see them fall behind in the play-off race unless they turn things around in the coming weeks.

However, their next two fixtures offer a good opportunity to get back on the winning track, as they face relegation-threatened Stoke City and Cardiff City before a crucial showdown with fellow play-off chasers Middlesbrough.

The Potters have endured a difficult time since being relegated from the Premier League in 2017-18, failing to finish in the top half of the Championship in any of the following six seasons.

Stoke are once again on the verge of another bottom-half finish, with the threat of relegation looming large over the Potters, who currently sit 18th in the table, just four points above the drop zone.

The visitors are under their third manager of the season, with Mark Robins taking over from Narcis Pelach, who succeeded Steven Schumacher, and the former Coventry City boss is beginning to make his mark on the Potters.

Robins has overseen two wins, three draws and two defeats in his seven games in charge, with one of those defeats coming on penalties in the FA Cup fourth round against Cardiff City, a run of results that could help Stoke avoid the drop if they can maintain this form for the rest of the campaign.

Stoke will take confidence from their recent record against Bristol City, with the Potters having won three, drawn one and lost one of their last five meetings.

Recent Performance

Bristol City Championship form:WLDWDL

Bristol City form (all competitions):LLDWDL

Stoke City Championship form:DDDLDW

Stoke City form (all competitions):WDLDWL

Team News

Bristol City will be without Ayman Benarous (hamstring), Cameron Pring (muscle) and Luke McNally (leg) through injury, while Joe Williams is suspended.

The Robins will be boosted by the return of Ross McCrorie, who was suspended for the recent defeat at Swansea City, meaning Haydon Roberts is likely to move back to the left of the back three.

For Stoke, Ben Wilmot (leg), Eric Bocat (calf), Jordan Thompson (leg), Lynden Gooch (leg), Million Manhoef (ligament), Sam Gallagher (hamstring) and Sol Sidibe (muscle) are all out with injury.

Josh Wilson-Esbrand and Andre Vidigal both picked up injuries in the penalty shootout defeat at Cardiff City last time out, meaning Enda Stevens and Nathan Lowe could start in their place.

Lewis Koumas scored twice in that game and is expected to retain his place on the left flank, while Ali Al-Hamadi is expected to return as a starting striker.

Possible starting lineup

Bristol City possible starting lineup:

O'Leary; Vyner, Dickie, Roberts; Sykes, Bird, Knight, McCrorie; Twine, Mehmeti; Wells

Stoke City possible starting lineup:

Johansson; Tchamadeu, Phillips, Rose, Stevens; Seko, Burger; Jun-Ho, Lowe, Koumas; Al-Hamadi