Bristol City play host to Birmingham City on Saturday afternoon knowing that they can move ahead of their 17th-placed opponents with victory at Ashton Gate.
Blues have recently slipped to that position in the Championship standings courtesy of three successive defeats, swiftly taking them out of playoff contention.
Match preview
© Reuters
With just one win coming from the last 12 matches in all competitions, Nigel Pearson is becoming increasingly desperate for his Bristol City side to get back on track.
That said, there is an argument that they have been doing just that, posting three successive draws versus Millwall, Coventry City and Swansea City in all competitions.
On the last two occasions, the Robins have come from behind to earn a share of the spoils, and Pearson can only have been left encouraged by the character of his players.
Nevertheless, Bristol City sit just three points clear of the relegation zone at a time when some of the teams behind them have been showing signs of improvement.
While this game will not necessarily bring extra pressure in isolation, Pearson knows that only victories are going to improve Bristol City's current situation.
© Reuters
The same can also be said of Birmingham with John Eustace's team currently on their worst run of form since the back end of August.
Three successive defeats have been posted in the second tier, although it is worth noting that each setback has been against teams in Burnley, Hull City and Middlesbrough who are three of the form sides in the division.
That said, Blues have not looked the same side since almost blowing a three-goal lead versus Reading on December 16, and all momentum has been lost with regards to a playoff bid.
Despite there being an opportunity to quickly get back on track and move away from the relegation zone in the process, Eustace is also aware of the consequences of defeat with his team now just eight points above bottom spot.
On a more positive note, Birmingham possess the joint-fourth best away defensive record in the league this campaign, conceding just 13 goals in 12 outings.
Team News
© Reuters
Bristol City will be forced into at least two changes with Andreas Weimann and Tommy Conway sustaining hamstring injuries last weekend.
Joe Williams and Nahki Wells are in line to earn recalls to the side, and they could prove to be the only two alterations.
With Birmingham defender Dion Sanderson back from suspension, Maxime Colin is expected to return to a more familiar role of right wing-back.
That should see Juninho Bacuna move back into central midfield, with Jordan James potentially the player to drop out of the side.
Either Troy Deeney or Scott Hogan, who has now recovered from illness, are expected to take the spot of Lukas Jutkiewicz in attack.
Brighton & Hove Albion attacker Reda Khadra will also feature in the squad after his loan spell at Sheffield United was brought to an end.
Bristol City possible starting lineup:
O'Leary; Vyner, Atkinson, Naismith; Tanner, Weimann, James, Scott, Pring; Wells, Semenyo
Birmingham City possible starting lineup:
Ruddy; Sanderson, Roberts, Trusty; Colin, Mejbri, Bielik, Bacuna, Graham; Chong, Deeney
We say: Bristol City 1-1 Birmingham City
The pressure is currently on these two relatively-big Championship sides as they bid to avoid a relegation battle this campaign. With that in mind, do not be surprised to see a draw played out, one which will not necessarily benefit either club.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
