Bristol City's run-in towards the end of the season may be in danger of turning into somewhat of a non-event but Nigel Pearson will ensure his players don't rest on their laurels.
They head to Stoke this afternoon looking to get back to winning ways having failed to pick up three points in their last three matches. On paper, it could be an even contest with City sitting two points behind their opponents as they look to make a charge into the top half.
However, the hosts come into the game in form following a 4-0 victory at Coventry with Alex Neil a nominee for March's Manager of the Month award. City will need to be at their best to secure the points but once again, Pearson will be hampered by a number of injuries and absentees with Kal Naismith, Alex Scott and Tomas Kalas all ruled out.
City's record in the Potteries is a good omen having won on their last four visits. At this time last season, the Robins were five points worse off which, in itself, represents progress although there are still tough games remaining including Middlesbrough, Sheffield United and Burnley.
A victory today would see City hit the 50-point landmark and here's how we think they'll shape up to take on Stoke.
Goalkeeper and defence
There was hope Naismith would return for at least one of the two Easter fixtures which would have provided Pearson with the welcome dilemma of bringing him either into the backline or as a defensive midfielder. Unfortunately, today's match will come too soon for the 31-year-old and therefore we could see a similar line-up at the back.
George Tanner enjoyed an impressive game against Reading, playing his part in the goal by getting ahead of Andi Weimann on the overlap. His attacking endeavours are improving as he grows in confidence while keeping his discipline at the back. With Mark Sykes still suspended, he'll keep his place at right-back.
Pearson discussed Zak Vyner's future in his press conference as he confirms discussions remain in place to extend his current deal although nothing has been agreed. He's only missed one league fixture this season through illness and he will line up alongside Cam Pring in the heart of defence.
Jay Dasilva enjoyed a memorable trip to Stoke on the last visit to Staffordshire when his cross looped over the keeper and rippled the net with five minutes left on the clock. Asking for a repeat scenario may be a little optimistic, but the left-back will continue his run of starts and will hope to continue building a relationship with Anis Mehmeti, with the latter searching for his first goal.
Youngsters Callum Wood and Harry Leeson could make the substitute bench given the ongoing injury issues alongside Kane Wilson, who has to remain patient for his opportunity to build his fitness.
In goal, Max O'Leary will start having cemented his place as the club's No1 at least until the end of the season with academy prospect Harvey Wiles-Richards warming the bench.
Midfield
Matty James' return to action last weekend was a big boost in midfield, particularly given the lack of options available through injury and suspension. He was forced off after suffering cramp in the final 10 minutes, although there was a brief scare when he was stretching his hamstrings on City's heavy pitch.
Pearson substituted him out of precaution, ensuring he'll be fit to start in the midfield. James' role could be key today in keeping attacking midfielder Will Smallbone quiet. He's been instrumental in Stoke's recent run of form with three assists and a goal in their last five games.
Who plays alongside him remains another difficult decision to make. There's two viable options in youngster Omar Taylor-Clarke, who has started back-to-back league matches, or the experienced Andy King - who offers a slightly more defensive approach.
Taylor-Clarke, 19, has done little wrong in his last two games and a third start in a row would be entirely justified. Excellent away at Swansea, an early booking against Reading meant he was tasked with playing with the shackles on which ultimately meant he was restricted from throwing himself into tackles.
There's arguments for both. King brings the obvious experience and provides that layer of protection in front of the defence while Taylor-Clarke has energy to close down and disrupt Stoke's progression through midfield. They had 51 per cent of possession against Coventry, and 65 per cent against Norwich in the game prior and therefore the youngster may prove a more suitable option to limit their time on the ball.
Scott's continued absence with a minor knee ligament injury remains a frustration and he'll be missing for the Easter period. Tommy Conway returned from injury in the No10 role last weekend, scoring City's only goal, and could fill that position once again.
But Pearson has options in that area behind the strikers. Both Weimann and Anis Mehmeti can both plug that gap and it could be a case of interchanging throughout the game depending on how the contest pans out.
Attack
Conway wasted little time getting up to speed last weekend with his strike on the stroke of half-time. He played 60 minutes in total and his performance means he'll start again, although Pearson will have an eye on Monday's game with Middlesbrough in his thinking.
It could be another case of playing an hour and it's likely to be the case that he plays in the No10 position once again, leaving Pearson with the decision of who he picks across the front three.
Anis Mehmeti, Nahki Wells and Andi Weimann all had frustrating afternoons in their own rights against Reading and neither would have cemented their place in today's starting XI. In a game such as this, when the contest could be settled by a moment of magic, one would assume that means Mehmeti will keep his position on the left.
Through the middle, Wells is without a goal in seven meaning Pearson could opt with Cornick or Sam Bell as the focal point in attack. However, with Conway back in the side, his partnership and familiarity playing with his strike partner is well documented which suggests the manager will look to keep them together.
Therefore the debate continues about who plays out on the right side. Weimann enjoyed a bright start against Reading but faded in the second half. Cornick also made an impact when he was introduced, proving a nuisance with his energy while almost proving the matchwinner in the final kick of the game.
Bristol City (4-2-3-1): Max O’Leary; George Tanner, Zak Vyner, Cam Pring, Jay Dasilva; Matty James, Omar Taylor-Clarke, Tommy Conway; Anis Mehmeti, Nahki Wells, Andi Weimann
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