Nigel Pearson is challenging his central defensive duo Zak Vyner and Tomas Kalas to rise to the occasion and stand up to the test of Erling Haaland.
Manchester City's prolific frontman scored his 33rd goal of the season on Saturday as Pep Guardiola's side fired an FA Cup warning shot by putting four past Bournemouth. Haaland is likely to start this evening after his manager confirmed he will opt for a "serious" starting XI despite still competing on three fronts.
The Norwegian was replaced after 72 minutes at the weekend, perhaps with an eye on the tie at Ashton Gate, but also because this is their fifth successive away game. Even if Julian Alvarez gets the nod in attack, this will undoubtedly be Vyner's toughest test of his career so far, but also a challenge he is likely to relish given the way he has forced his way back into Pearson's plans.
