Nearly a month have passed since Bristol City last took to the field for a competitive fixture and much of the football world has felt on hold during this break for the World Cup in Qatar.
As a result it's allowed narratives to slightly reset and City return to action with the understanding of where they are a little in the balance. The goalless draw against Watford certainly help erode some of the fury that followed the League Cup elimination to Lincoln City.
But there is still an underlying frustration with the fluctuating performances and results, and while optimism usually always abides once football returns before our eyes, City can ill-afford to not turn up against Rotherham United.
