Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Bristol Post
Bristol Post
Sport
David Byrom & James Piercy

'Get the job done' - What we think will happen as Bristol City take on Barnsley

Bristol City make the trip north this evening to take on Barnsley.

The Robins will be looking to get back to winning ways following a below-par performance in a draw with Wigan Athletic last weekend.

Their hosts sit bottom of the league with just one win in 14 matches, but have shown signs of improvement recently.

Here's how we think the game will go...

James Piercy, Sports Editor

Would you make any changes to the team?

Rodri celebrates after Josh Brownhill of Bristol City scores a late winner against Charlton Athletic (Rogan/JMP)

Yes, because I think alterations have to be made simply because the Wigan performance wasn’t of the required standard.

The issue is, the main positions where change can be justified - defence and attack - there aren’t too many options available to Johnson.

Defensively, City are just leaking too many goal scoring chances to the  opposition. However, it’s not like individuals have been massively underperforming, it’s more of a system and process issue, which can be fixed.

As great as it would be to see Tomas Kalas back in defence, it’s surely too soon and too much of a risk. Bailey Wright is the only other option, if Johnson wants to break up his backline.

Beyond that, it’s really Rodri or Antoine Semenyo alongside Andi Weimann and I think the Spaniard probably deserves at least another start before being shunted back to the bench.

Who will be City’s key player?

As Ashley Williams said - “when Josh Brownhill plays well, so do we” and the midfielder's drive and guile will be vital on his own return to Oakwell, having earned his move to City through his performances while on loan at Barnsley.

Assuming Han-Noah Massengo returns to the XI alongside him, to fulfil defensive duties, that should free up City’s captain to focus more on the attacking side of his game.

Is there anything about the opposition that concerns you?

There is a feeling of, to paraphrase Sir Alex Ferguson, “lads, it’s Barnsley” but the Tykes aren’t as poor as the league table suggests and haven’t been that far away from improving that points total.

They’re a mid-table side for chances created at home and that winless run isn’t going to last forever.

City, weirdly, struggle against such sides - Luton and Wigan as prime examples - and there is just something about this match that carries an element of trepidation.

How do you think the game will go?

It will be excellent to see City start quickly, on the front foot and try and dictate matters, ensuring any confidence Barnsley have is gradually eroded.

I’m not sure the Robins have quite a full and complete 90 minute away performance in them just yet, so there will be periods of dominance for the hosts and then it’s about the defence holding its shape and maintaining organisation - which hasn’t been the case in recent weeks.

Still, you’d imagine City have the quality and know how to get the job done.

Prediction: Barnsley 1-2 Bristol City

Get lots more news, opinion and transfer updates on our Bristol City FC page and add a bookmark to find it quickly next time.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.