Bristol City v Norwich preview

Robins and Canaries go head-to-head at Ashton Gate

Last updated: 28th March 2008

Gary Johnson Bristol City

Johnson: Bristol City have started to wobble

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Bristol City will be keen to get their automatic promotion bid back on track against Norwich.

The Robins currently sit in second place in the Championship but have failed to win any of their last five league matches, losing their last two.

They are impressive at Ashton Gate though, with only Ipswich's 13 home wins topping City's 11.

Norwich's 5-1 victory over rock-bottom Colchester last Saturday was their first in five attempts and helped to end a run of three consecutive defeats.

However, they have lost 11 of their 20 away games this season and only Barnsley and Sheffield Wednesday have managed fewer goals on their travels than the Canaries' 16.

McCombe returns

Jamie McCombe returns to Bristol City's squad for the clash, but Lee Johnson is doubtful with an ankle injury.

McCombe has missed the last three matches with a hip problem but is fit again, while Johnson's chances of being involved are only rated at around 50/50.

Gary Johnson has hinted he could hand Steve Brooker his first City start for almost a year as he looks to reignite the misfiring Robins' promotion charge.

Brooker, who has not started a game for City since 4th April 2007 following two knee operations, was recalled from a loan spell at Cheltenham last week after scoring five goals in six matches for the League One side.

Doherty doubtful

Norwich manager Glenn Roeder is sweating on the fitness of defender Gary Doherty ahead of the trip to Ashton Gate.

Doherty was withdrawn at half-time in the thrashing of Colchester with a back complaint and he remains a doubt.

On-loan Reading defender Alex Pearce will replace Doherty if he does miss out as the Canaries go in search of a first win at Ashton Gate since 1980.

Darel Russell has been struggling with illness over the past week but came through the win over the U's and should be fit enough to retain his place.

Jamie Cureton will expect plenty of stick from the home fans thanks to his 69 goals for Bristol Rovers but scored a hat-trick last time out and will continue alongside Dion Dublin in attack.

Ched Evans was on target for Wales' Under 21s in midweek and will again be on the bench along with Maceo Rigters, but left-back Adam Drury (knee) and Luke Chadwick (shoulder) remain long-term absentees.