Without a win in three league games or generating momentum by going two games undefeated, whichever way it's looked at tonight's clash with Luton feels important.
A first point of the season on the road against Wigan can't be underestimated as City gave themselves something to build on as they host Nathan Jones' men at Ashton Gate.
Fail to pick up three points this evening and then City will host rivals Cardiff on Sunday under the increasing pressure in front of a packed home crowd.
The games are arriving thick and fast in the Championship. This will be City's fifth match in 17 days and there's still another four games on the agenda before the end of the month including the long trip up to Blackpool on the bank holiday weekend.
Therefore rotation by Nigel Pearson remains vital in a bid to manage the minutes but with a small squad, that's easier said than done. Here's how we think City could shape up tonight with the manager ringing the changes.
Goalkeeper and defence
Dan Bentley didn't cover himself in glory against Wigan when he flapped at the corner that led to their equaliser, albeit did appear unsighted by his opponent standing in the six-yard box.
His kicking was also a frustration for the manager who appeared irate in the technical area on a number of occasions when his efforts went wayward of his target. He's better than that, Bentley won't need reminding and he'll be looking to make amends against Luton this evening.
In front of him, Kal Naismith will play against his former club but he may have to drift away from being in the heart of the back three depending on the injury to Rob Atkinson. The defender hobbled off against Wigan in the second half with what appeared to be a knee injury.
Timm Klose came on to replace him with Naismith moving to the left side and the Swiss defender taking up the middle with Zak Vyner to his right. That could very well be the defence Pearson decides to opt with against the Hatters if Atkinson fails to recover in time.
Pearson gave nothing away in his post-match comments regarding the severity of the injury but three days is a very quick turnaround and it'll be fair to assume that Atkinson remains a major doubt.
If he is ruled out, his absence will be a big blow with City having to deal with the powerful front pair of Cauley Woodrow and Elijah Adebayo. Tomas Kalas is still likely to miss out with the manager confirming that he'd prefer to see them have minutes in the youth side before making the step up to the senior squad on his return from injury.
Wing-backs and midfield
With Matty James still sidelined with a calf injury and the reluctance to play Joe Williams for three games in a week, there's a dilemma for Pearson in this fixture.
They'll be the temptation to stick with Williams with City requiring a result but having played 90 minutes in gruelling heat on Saturday, it's likely the manager won't take the added risk with games coming thick and fast in the cup and Championship.
Han-Noah Massengo missed out on Saturday with illness but Pearson hinted he will be back in action on Tuesday so expect the Frenchman to be pushing for a starting spot. Alex Scott was quiet against Wigan, perhaps falling victim to the lack of quality by both sides on the ball and his substitution on the hour mark may have been with one eye looking ahead to this fixture.
However, starting with a midfield pairing of Scott and Massengo appears lightweight even if Andi Weimann drops deep from the No10 role to provide extra cover. Therefore we could see Andy King start, as he did against Coventry, in the defensive midfield role.
The veteran was disciplined in the cup victory and it worked well alongside Massengo with Weimann also playing as the extra midfielder.
After the draw at Wigan, Pearson said he has to make changes to help aid player's recovery and expect one or two of those to come at wing-back - a position that requires so much energy.
Mark Sykes was great against Wigan but was exhausted at the full-time whistle and it would no little harm to provide him with a rest and bring Kane Wilson into the fold. The same could be said about Jay Dasilva on the other side with Cam Pring pushing for a league start after a strong performance against Coventry.
Pring's physicality over Dasilva could prove important especially if he's lining up alongside Naismith on that left side.
Strikers
Four goals in four games means Andi Weimann remains undroppable as it stands and despite his work-rate on Saturday, it's a banker he'll be one of the first names on the team-sheet behind the forwards.
Although with James out and Williams doubtful, it's likely we could see him drop deeper into midfield while looking to make runs forward and break the lines when possible.
It's the front two that remain the most intriguing. Chris Martin struggled to get into the game against Wigan but his defensive attributes are invaluable and with Luton's threat from set-pieces, you feel he'll be given the nod to start.
Perhaps after 60 minutes the manager will look to make the change and bring on fresh legs in the form of Nahki Wells or Tommy Conway.
Conway was handed his first league start since May 2021 against Wigan and despite missing two golden chances, repaid the manager's faith with a lively performance before tiring in the second half. He also arguably should have won a penalty and assisted Weimann's opener and therefore has earned the opportunity to continue his run in the side.
Bristol City (3-4-1-2): Bentley; Vyner, Klose, Naismith; Wilson, King, Scott, Pring; Weimann; Martin, Conway
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