It goes without saying that Bristol City will need to perform at their absolute best if they are going to cause a stir in the automatic promotion race against Sheffield United.
City were unfortunate to be on the receiving end of a 1-0 defeat in the reverse fixture back in November but today's contest will pose a more difficult challenge, one because they are playing on away soil but also by the fact the Blades can move a big step closer to sealing their return to the Premier League with a victory.
They head into the game five points clear of Luton in third and with a game advantage. On the flip side to that, it could also work in City's favour because there is bound to be added pressure and expectancy in the air at Bramall Lane.
Nigel Pearson's side, although sitting in 15th, can play with a sense of freedom and take confidence from the defeat at Watford into the game this evening. The City manager continues to reiterate the message that they'll be no let-up in performances between now and the end of the season when they travel to QPR.
With players returning from injury and suspension, Pearson has options at his disposal and here's how we think they'll line up.
Goalkeeper and defence
Whether Max O'Leary was unfortunate, unsighted, or should have done better with Watford's second goal is almost open to opinion but with academy prospect Harvey Wiles-Richards awaiting his senior debut having played back-up since Nikita Haikin's departure, City's No1 will continue to feature for the duration of the season.
It could very much be the same back four that we have grown accustomed to seeing over the past few weeks with Tomas Kalas almost certainly ruled out having returned to training this week. There's a small chance he could return to the matchday squad to take on Rotherham at the weekend but today will come too soon.
The only realistic change would be for Kal Naismith to return to central defence, which would likely mean Cam Pring or Jay Dasilva drop out. Naismith was introduced in midfield on Saturday but dropped into the backline to help accommodate bringing on both Tommy Conway and Anis Mehmeti.
Four soft goals conceded over the course of two games could come into Pearson's thinking but it does seem clear the manager wants Naismith to play in front of the defence with his range of passing. Therefore, it would be a surprise to see a switch in the back four to take on Sheffield United especially as he offers that extra layer of defensive protection against a top Championship side.
Midfield
Despite the defeat on Saturday, there were positives to take from the game, especially with the way City played for periods. However, another notable plus was the return of Alex Scott who was introduced in the 57th minute having started from the bench on his return from a knee injury.
Scott instantly provided that injection of quality from the middle with his driving runs forward and given how he wasn't risked from the start at Vicarage Road, he'll surely come back into the line-up and into the No10 position.
City will need to be defensively astute if they are to leave Bramall Lane with a result which means Matty James will again be selected in the middle as he continues to cement his case to be named the club's Player of the Season. As mentioned above, Naismith may also come back in for his first start since the beginning of February.
Andy King has started seven of the last eight league matches and while his performances have remained consistent, Naismith's return does provide an opportunity for him to earn some rest, particularly as its two difficult away trips within four days.
King, 34, also provides a good option to bring on from the bench with Naismith unlikely to last the full 90 minutes as he continues to build his match fitness from a calf injury. There is the possibility of Andi Weimann, Tommy Conway or Anis Mehmeti starting in the No10 position which would likely mean Scott in a deeper role alongside James.
Omar Taylor-Clarke, meanwhile, was an unused substitute at Vicarage Road but started yesterday for the Under-21s in their 1-1 draw at Burnley, so it will be interesting to see if he remains in the north to be part of the matchday 18 who returns to Bristol. The same applies to full-back Harry Leeson who has been keeping Kane Wilson out of the squad in recent weeks.
Forwards
It's the area of the field which is the most difficult to predict at the moment given the healthy array of options at Pearson's disposal but after firing a blank against Watford, he's expected to make at least one change to his starting XI this evening.
Mark Sykes is welcomed back into the squad following his four-game suspension and given his form before the ban, they'll be a temptation to bring him back in from the start as competition for places on that right side intensify again. His boundless energy could also prove a key factor in helping George Tanner out because the visitors will need to remain disciplined at both ends of the field.
Cornick and Weimann had glimpses against Watford but were in and out of the game to make a consistent impact. On the opposite side, Sam Bell will be pushing for his fourth consecutive start which he'll feel is fully deserved following a goal and assist in his last three matches.
Bell was another who played well in parts but his involvement drifted before his eventual substitution. With City likely to play on the counter-attack, his pace would make him a likely option but there's a distinct possibility Pearson may want to risk him given the amount of running he produces in each game.
If that's the case, Tommy Conway could come back into the side or Mehmeti who has 39 minutes of game time over the last three matches. City's attacking options are versatile and dynamic meaning each player is adaptable to featuring in any position across the front three.
Nahki Wells was one the brighter performers at the weekend and will feel unfortunate not to add to his 11-goal tally with Daniel Bachmann denying him in the second half. His work-rate, once again, was highly impressive but that's now two goals in his last 18 appearances, both of which came from the penalty spot.
Bristol City (4-2-1-3): Max O’Leary; George Tanner, Zak Vyner, Cam Pring, Jay Dasilva; Kal Naismith, Matty James, Alex Scott; Mark Sykes, Tommy Conway, Sam Bell
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