Preview: Bristol City vs. Bournemouth - prediction, team news, lineups

Bournemouth square off against Bristol City on Saturday afternoon looking to extend their unbeaten Championship record to 12 matches.

While the Cherries currently sit at the top of the standings, the home side are in ninth position despite still looking for their first win at Ashton Gate this season.

Match preview

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Bournemouth have been far from convincing in the Championship in recent weeks, their last four victories all coming by a one-goal margin.

However, that kind of record will only provide Scott Parker with extra reassurances about the character of his squad, who are showing on a weekly basis that they can take advantage of their rivals dropping points.

There will come a time when Parker will expect a bigger contribution in the final third with Philip Billing and Dominic Solanke scoring the Cherries last six goals in the second tier.

Nevertheless, Bournemouth have conceded just three times in seven league matches since the 6-0 defeat at Norwich City in the EFL Cup, a result which can be regarded as the catalyst for 17 points being collected during that period.

Bournemouth have also kept four consecutive clean sheets on the road in the Championship, by far the best record in the division.

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At a time when Bournemouth have been superb on unfamiliar territory, Bristol City are still struggling to end their winless run at Ashton Gate.

Their last maximum haul came as far back as February, but Nigel Pearson will take the positives from the Robins still sitting in the top 10 of the table.

Pearson returned to training this week after missing the matches with Millwall and Peterborough United because of a second bout of coronavirus.

While it remains to be seen whether Pearson will be back in the dugout at the weekend, he will have confidence in his backroom staff with Bristol City fighting back to run out 3-2 victors at Posh before the international break.

Chris Martin netted the winner six minutes from time, the forward now scoring three of his four goals of the season away from home.

Team News

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On the back of his team's victory at Peterborough, Pearson may see no reason to make any changes to his Bristol City XI.

While the likes of Nathan Baker, Jay Dasilva and Nahki Wells are all options if they shake off minor injuries, they will likely be named on the substitutes' bench.

Barring any late fitness issues, Parker may also decide to stick with the Bournemouth team which edged out Sheffield United before the international break.

With the form of Jaidon Anthony having dropped off in recent games, Jamal Lowe is an option in attack with the new arrival yet to make a start for the Cherries.

The likes of Chris Mepham and Emiliano Marcondes are in line to stay among the replacements.

Bristol City possible starting lineup:
Bentley; Tanner, Kalas, Atkinson, Pring; James, King; Williams, Weimann, O'Dowda; Martin

Bournemouth possible starting lineup:
Travers; Smith, Cahill, Kelly, Zemura; Pearson, Lerma, Billing; Christie, Solanke, Anthony

We say: Bristol City 1-2 Bournemouth

While Bristol City have undoubtedly improved under Pearson, we cannot back them to end their winless run at home to the leaders. The Cherries need to offer a little more in the final third on a consistent basis, but Parker's side should be able to edge this contest.