Bristol City may not have the best recent record against Norwich City, but they can go into today's game brimming with confidence following an impressive run of eight games unbeaten.
The Robins ended their Deepdale hoodoo last weekend, winning at Preston for the first time in 12 years, and they'll be tasked with a similar challenge against David Wagner's side this time around. It was almost 14 years ago to the day when goals from Cole Skuse and a penalty (remember one of those?) from Bradley Orr secured a 2-1 win at Carrow Road.
The reverse fixture saw City narrowly fall to a 3-2 defeat despite it being one of their best performances of the season. It was an afternoon Kal Naismith would want to forget with two costly passages of play leading to their goals.
On paper, it promises to be another entertaining clash. Norwich, who lost 3-0 to Burnley in their last outing, have scored eight goals in their last two away games and currently sit two points adrift of the play-offs. City could effectively jump four places into 13th if they win and other results go their way.
Naismith will miss out through injury this time around meaning an opportunity will arise in midfield but Pearson will unlikely ring in the changes with momentum well and truly on their side. Here's how we see City lining up this afternoon...
Goalkeeper and defence
Max O'Leary's recent form has been nothing short of impressive, emphasised by his performance in the 2-1 victory over Preston last weekend. He played a huge contribution to the three points by making a number of fine saves which will only continue to cement his place as City's No1.
Nikita Haikin arrived to provide competition last month and will be hoping for his opportunity to earn a longer-term contract which currently expires at the end of the season. However, he will have to remain patient for now with O'Leary set to keep his place between the posts.
There's unlikely to be a change with a back four that continues to build and develop its partnerships. Rob Atkinson spoke to the press on Thursday where he shared the growing confidence in the backline and his understanding alongside Zak Vyner.
Kane Wilson is still considerably short of match fitness to be selected in the squad and therefore the consistent George Tanner will play at right-back. Tomas Kalas made his return to the field as a substitute against Preston and added solidity but he will have to remain patient before pushing ahead of Vyner or Atkinson.
On the left, Cam Pring continues to take advantage of his position in the side which means he'll get the nod over Jay Dasilva.
Midfield
Given City's unbeaten run of form since switching formation at half-time against Swansea, the three-pronged midfield of Kal Naismith, Matty James and Alex Scott have provided a balance and understanding that has been key at both ends of the pitch.
Pearson has been consistent with his team selection in keeping that trio for the last five matches but Naismith's calf injury picked up last weekend means he will have to shuffle the pack. That will mean Joe Williams looks set to come in for his first start since Boxing Day.
Pearson does have Andy King available should he turn for a more experienced head but he is likely to return to the bench after being left out of the squad last weekend. Youngster Omar Taylor-Clarke is also pushing for a place among the 18 with his position in the side elevated following Dylan Kadji's loan to Swindon.
Naismith's injury is a big blow given what he offers in that defensive midfield role by providing that extra layer of protection in front of the backline while having the technical ability to pick out passes and maintain possession. James is likely to come in as the deepest of the midfield trio with Williams providing a supporting role alongside Scott who has been given more of a licence to get forward.
His recent performances have been nothing short of sensational and the continued praise and plaudits have been entirely justified. After scoring his first goal of the season against West Brom in the FA Cup last month, he will now be tasked with adding to that tally between now and the end of the campaign.
Attack
Pearson has a welcome number of options at his disposal going forward and that means the players currently in the side will have to maintain their fine form to stay there. Harry Cornick came off the bench to make his debut last weekend while Anis Mehmeti will be looking to get some pitch time in front of the home faithful.
Starting with the wide forwards and the continued form of Sam Bell and Mark Sykes means it would seem somewhat harsh to bring them to the bench. Bell's 2023 continues to go from strength to strength with his first league goal for City against Preston.
That's also four goals in four games for the academy product while Sykes, who is rejuvenated in his favoured right-wing role, has scored four in his last five appearances. As we saw with the former Oxford man last weekend, he has the versatility to drop into a wing-back role should Pearson switch formation in the latter stages of the game.
Through the middle, Nahki Wells may have scored just once in his last nine games but his selflessness and tireless performances have played contribution to the form of Bell and Sykes. His work rate off the ball in closing down opponents and creating those pockets of space shouldn't be underestimated.
Interestingly, Pearson spoke about Cornick's involvement ahead of the game and admitted he primarily eyes him as a central forward and which will no doubt keep Wells on his toes. While there's no point in changing a winning side, the City manager may have to resist the temptation of bringing in his new signings or his trustee lieutenants.
That brings us to Andi Weimann who was made the club captain during the week following Dan Bentley's January departure to Wolves. The Austrian can play in a variety of positions, including in midfield, but given his previous experience of playing on the right side of attack, it's likely he will provide competition for Sykes.
With a midweek game against Wigan coming up, Pearson may look to freshen the legs and bring Weimann back into the starting XI against the Tics but for now, he's likely to stick with Sykes. It'll be a similar thought process on the left side with Mehmeti looking to come into the frame.
The City manager was really positive about the impact he is having on training so it will only be a matter of time before he's thrust into action from the start but it's unlikely to come against Norwich.
Bristol City (4-3-3, probable): Max O’Leary; George Tanner, Zak Vyner, Rob Atkinson, Cam Pring; Joe Williams, Matty James, Alex Scott; Mark Sykes, Nahki Wells, Sam Bell
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