After 45 games and a challenging season which has tested patience, administered glimpses of optimism but also cast doubt over more than just the man in the dugout, Bristol City travel to Huddersfield Town for their final match of 2021/22.
It’s been an underwhelming season in terms of league position, with the Robins guaranteed 17th, and a suitably underwhelming conclusion takes place with their opponents having secured a play-off berth, albeit still able to claim third place from Nottingham Forest.
However, even if City’s lower mid-table fate has long been confirmed, they’re ending on a high with five matches unbeaten and Nigel Pearson refusing to experiment or toy with his line-up and formula, even with a mind on next season.
Granted, that second part isn’t strictly true as the manager has indicated his team selections have not included those whose futures he sees away from the club once the summer window opens. As the conclusion to the campaign draws near, here’s what we think the final City starting XI of 2021/22 will be…
Goalkeeper and defence
Honestly, we’re not trying to spice this up because it almost certainly seems like Dan Bentley will finish the season in goal but his and Pearson’s comments in the week do bear some additional scrutiny.
It’s clear Bentley has said several times he wants to stay, and both he and his manager revealed primitive contract talks have taken place with the 28-year-old a free agent next summer. But, equally, the goalkeeper referenced the cut-throat nature of football and how quickly situations change, while his manager talked of “different perspectives,” rather than outright saying - we hope he stays.
Perhaps we’re reading far too much into it but it was a slightly complicated answer to a pretty straightforward question. That all being said, it’ll be some shock to see Bentley replaced in goal by No2 Max O’Leary.
Likewise, it will be a surprise to see Pearson deviate from his now established central defensive three of Timm Klose, Rob Atkinson and Robbie Cundy,, especially with Tomas Kalas remaining on the sidelines after surgery.
The only other options would be Zak Vyner, who hasn’t had a look-in since a questionable performance at Swansea City and is surely in uncertain waters for the summer, and rookie Duncan Idehen who could get some minutes as a substitute but seems a long shot to be named a starter.
Midfield
We’re into the, “team picks itself” category here because clearly it’s almost certainly going to be Alex Scott as a right wing-back, the in-form Jay Dasilva to the left and Matty James and Joe Williams in the middle.
Pearson highlighted the performances of his two central midfielders against Hull and there is a feeling that although a defensive midfielder could be on the menu for the summer, those two represent his most efficient pair in that area.
That comes with a sizeable caveat of Williams staying fit but they do look a good tandem, providing tenacity and a good tempo to their passing.
That will likely keep Han-Noah Massengo out of the starting XI with Pearson admitting this week that decision is also, in-part, down to his refusal to sign a new contract; with eyes moving to next season and nothing tangible to play for, what’s the point of giving someone a key role when they won’t be here by September?
Andy King has made the last two match squads and as a trusted Pearson lieutenant should make the matchday 18 again, but the veteran will find it hard to break into the team and with his contract up next month this could be his last sighting in City attire.
In front of James and Williams it will, of course, be Andi Weimann in his deep striker/false 10 role that he has very much made his own with 22 goals and 10 assists - they really are remarkable numbers.
Weimann’s brilliance and efficiency is one reason why the only place for Ayman Benarous in the team is at left wing-back, which looks unlikely today. Meanwhile, fellow playmaker Kasey Palmer - who hasn’t played since January - will be on his way, providing a landing spot can be found, in the next transfer window.
Such is the change of dynamic and discussion point around this time of the year, ultimately, it will be more interesting to see who’s not in the 18 than who is. Callum O’Dowda is one such name and if the winger is left out again, it looks to be the end of his six-year stay in BS3 as his contract expires next month with no sign, having neglected the chance to activate his salary, that City will be offering revised terms.
Striker
Even if he wanted to, there is absolutely no way Chris Martin, Antoine Semenyo or Weimann are going to accept being taken out of this team, given the form they’re in.
Semenyo (eight goals, 12 assists) has an outside chance to double-double, while Martin (12 goals, six assists) and Weimann (22 goals, 10 assists) will delight in the opportunity to not only boost their tallies but also end strong personal campaigns on the field.
It’s a shame for Nahki Wells because there would be a case to start him against his former club, if only as some means of advertising for his talents given the Bermudian looks set to leave over the summer window as he approaches the final year of his contract and with a desire to get his wages off the books given how little game time he’s played in 2021/22.
They may not start either but Tommy Conway and Sam Bell could well get minutes towards the end of the contest.
Bristol City (3-5-2): Dan Bentley; Robbie Cundy, Timm Klose, Rob Atkinson; Alex Scott, Matty James, Joe Williams, Jay Dasilva; Andi Weimann; Chris Martin, Antoine Semenyo
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