Preview: Bristol City vs. Barnsley - prediction, team news, lineups

Bristol City and Barnsley meet in the Championship on Saturday afternoon with both managers needing a win to boost their chances of remaining in a job.

While the home side have lost four of their last five matches under Nigel Pearson, Tykes boss Markus Schopp has witnessed his team lose six games in a row.

Match preview

© Reuters

Bristol City supporters have reached a point where they are probably dreading games at Ashton Gate, their winless run at their home ground having been extended to 17 matches.

Not only do the Robins keep failing to emerge victorious on familiar territory, they continue to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory, the latest episode seeing them concede twice in added-on time to lose 2-1 to Nottingham Forest.

Bristol City have now been denied wins at Ashton Gate by last-minute goals on three occasions, leaving Pearson searching for answers to countless questions that he must have.

A 3-0 reverse at West Bromwich Albion last weekend did nothing to lift the mood in the South-West, and there is a feeling that Pearson has reached a pivotal period during his time at the club.

Still only five points adrift of the playoffs, things can change for the better with victory at the weekend, but defeat will only give encouragement to a potential relegation rival.

© Reuters

Barnsley supporters have mixed feelings over whether Schopp should still be in a job after claiming just eight points from 14 Championship fixtures.

The Tykes showed plenty of spirit during the latter stages of their 3-2 defeat at home to Sheffield United, but three goals had already been conceded in 21 second-half minutes.

To their credit, the Barnsley hierarchy are giving Schopp a 13th opportunity to get a second win of the season on the board, a calculated risk with the club remaining just three points adrift of safety.

However, the Yorkshire side face three favourable games in succession, and failure to achieve success from any of that triple-header may leave Schopp in an untenable position.

Team News

© Reuters

With Nathan Baker expected to sit this game out, Pearson must decide whether to use Cameron Pring as a straight replacement or switch to a back four.

The first option appears most likely, and Pearson has another big call to make regarding George Tanner after substituting the young full-back after just 34 minutes last week.

Callum O'Dowda is in contention for a recall to the team, potentially taking the place of Nahki Wells.

Aaron Leya Iseka and Devante Cole will both expect to start for Barnsley after netting as substitutes against Sheffield United.

Josh Benson is pushing for a return in midfield, as is Carlton Morris who has been absent since August.

Bristol City possible starting lineup:
Bentley; Kalas, Atkinson, Pring; Tanner, James, Massengo, Dasilva; Weimann, O'Dowda; Martin

Barnsley possible starting lineup:
Collins; Sibbick, Helik, Kitching; Brittain, Gomes, Moon, Styles; Cole, Woodrow, Iseka

We say: Bristol City 1-1 Barnsley

With both teams low in confidence, this has the feel of a must-not-lose fixture. While it would not necessarily suit either manager, they will have few complaints with claiming a point from this contest.