Bristol City vs Stoke preview
Saturday 27 October 2018 11:29, UK
Bristol City will continue to monitor Nathan Baker ahead of Saturday's Championship clash with Stoke.
The defender was forced off with a head injury during last weekend's victory over Brentford and was still feeling unwell ahead of the midweek win against Hull. Lloyd Kelly was rested against the Tigers so could well return while fellow defenders Bailey Wright and Eros Pisano are expected to be sidelined until after the next international break.
Max O'Leary is yet to concede a Championship goal and will continue between the sticks with Niki Maenpaa (adductor) still at least 10 days away from full fitness while Frank Fielding is struggling with the effects of viral meningitis.
Stoke boss Gary Rowett returns to the touchline after serving a one-match ban during the midweek draw with Sheffield United. Sam Clucas is closing in on a Potters debut following his summer move from Swansea, although this match will probably come too soon.
The midfielder joined Stoke with a long-standing knee issue and has had to watch his new club from the sidelines but he trained on Thursday and could force his way into contention. Fellow midfielder Peter Etebo also trained after recovering from a hamstring problem and could return but forward Mame Diouf is still struggling with a similar injury.
Opta stats
Bristol City and Stoke met last season in the League Cup third round - the Robins won 2-0 in a home meeting.
This is the first league meeting between Bristol City and Stoke since April 2008, which ended in a 2-1 victory for Stoke.
Bristol City haven't kept three consecutive league clean sheets since April 2015 in League One under manager Steve Cotterill.
Stoke are unbeaten in four away league games (W1 D3) - they last went five unbeaten on the road in September 2014 (a run of five).
Bristol City have won their last two Championship games 1-0 - their winning goals have been scored in the 89th minute (against Brentford - 88:31) and 90th minute (against Hull - 92:25).
Stoke have won one of their last 40 league matches away from home when they've conceded the first goal (D11 L28).
Prutton's prediction
Bristol City could very easily be heading into this weekend on the back of a difficult week, but two late goals in two games means it's been six points from six so far and has them back on the cusp of the play-offs.
Stoke were a little fortunate to nick a point at Sheffield United in midweek but are still closer to the bottom three than the top six, and that needs to change quickly. They just haven't shown enough yet and this is a home win for me.
David Prutton predicts: 2-0 (12/1 with Sky Bet)
