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

Swansea City make the short trip to Bristol City on Friday night still looking for their first Championship victory of the season.

Meanwhile, the home side head into the contest at Ashton Gate on the back of an excellent 3-2 win away at Reading.

Match preview

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Ahead of Bristol City's trip to the Madejski Stadium, Bristol City boss Nigel Pearson was under pressure to end a winless streak in the league which had lasted since March 13.

However, 13 games since their 3-0 victory at a then-struggling Birmingham City, the Robins showcased their quality in edging out Reading in a five-goal thriller.

Although their hosts were missing key man Lucas Joao, Bristol City took full advantage with Chris Martin scoring either side of a double from Andreas Weimann.

If the experienced pair can remain fit, Pearson's side have the potential to make a bid for the playoffs, but that will not be achieved unless they end their abysmal run at Ashton Gate.

Bristol City's last home triumph came against Huddersfield Town back on January 26, a run which has included 11 fixtures.

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Despite their failures on familiar territory, Pearson and his players will sense that they have an opportunity to halt that period of results on Friday.

Swansea are yet to make their mark under recently-appointed head coach Russell Martin, claiming just one point from games against Blackburn Rovers, Sheffield United and Stoke City.

While there is an argument that the Welsh club have had a tough start to the season, they were thoroughly outplayed by the latter of those teams on Tuesday night.

Joel Piroe got on the scoresheet, netting his second goal since a summer move from PSV Eindhoven, but Martin requires more from the rest of his squad if they are to replicate their appearances in the playoffs over the past two seasons.

Team News

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After Andy King was withdrawn early in the second half at Reading, Pearson may bring Han-Noah Massengo into the Bristol City midfield.

While the quick turnaround may lead to more changes, Alex Scott and Cameron Pring will be hoping to retain their places after starring on Tuesday night

Pearson has also suggested that Joe Williams and Callum O'Dowda could return to the substitutes' bench.

Martin will almost certainly make a number of alterations to his Swansea side, including the possibility of handing a full debut to Ethan Laird.

Piroe should feature after his goal earlier this week, while Jamie Paterson is in line to play against his former club.

Bristol City possible starting lineup:
Bentley; Simpson, Kalas, Atkinson, Dasilva; James, Massengo; Scott, Weimann, Pring; Martin

Swansea City possible starting lineup:
Benda; Cabango, Cooper, Manning; Laird, Downes, Grimes, Bidwell; Fulton, Paterson; Piroe

We say: Bristol City 1-1 Swansea City

After an uninspiring start to the season, Swansea may require a high-profile fixture to get them back on track.

With that in mind, we fancy the Welsh outfit to claim a share of the spoils against opponents who may also be satisfied with a point.