As QPR visit BS3 for the second leg of this week's Rs double-header, it could be that the Robins are forced into one particular formation given the recent injuries they have received.
While Portuguese full-back Pedro Pereira should return to first-team action, the problem seems to be at centre-back, where the Robins may need to use the free transfer market to find a solution.
We understand that Bailey Wright is currently injured and out of action for the foreseeable future with a thigh injury.
That means that - with no replacement for Adam Webster in house - the existing centre-back options are Nathan Baker, Tomas Kalas and Taylor Moore.
By that token, we suggest the following Bristol City side will face QPR...
Goalkeeper - Dan Bentley
Niki Maenpaa is not far from a return to full fitness, and returned to full training this week.
However we understand that Lee Johnson has set a rule by players having to play two U23s games before playing for the senior side. So it looks like Dan Bentley might have a free run on goal.
The defence
Because of the limited options at centre-back we see a four at the back and a similar shape to that played on Tuesday night in the Carabao Cup.
The battle for the right-back spot will be interesting, with Jack Hunt netting a corking goal into the top corner but Pedro Pereira likely to return from injury.
And we tip the Portuguese to play with Tommy Rowe a certain for the left-back position after two good displays.
At centre-back we expect Kalas and Baker to play.
The midfield
In midfield, Adam Nagy and Josh Brownhill will both get the nod in the centre of the pitch, despite young Han-Noah Massengo impressing at the Kiyan Foundation Satdium.
And Kasey Palmer will be restored to attacking midfield too. The final position will likely go to Niclas Eliasson, with the Swedish winger's creativity and recent form getting him a place in the starting XI - and with the onus on the Robins to attack and get a win on home turf.
Taylor Moore could get that spot however, if City do decide to stick with three at the back again.
The attack
City have a good competition going between Benik Afobe and Famara Diedhiou to lead the line. And Diedhiou's goal in mid-week may just tip the scales his way after the new man got the nod last weekend.
Andi Weimann will likely play alongside them, albeit possibly in a wider role, as he has done of late.
Predicted Bristol City XI (4-4-1-1): Bentley, Pereira, Kalas, Baker, Rowe; Eliasson, Brownhill, Nagy, Weimann; Palmer; Diedhiou
