Bristol City and Swansea City take a break from Championship action on Sunday as they square off in the FA Cup third round.
The two sides currently occupy 19th and 15th position in the standings, separated by just six points courtesy of a period of inconsistency.
Match preview
© Reuters
When Swansea made it eight matches without a win when they lost to Reading on December 27, it appeared plausible that Russell Martin may become a realistic contender for the Norwich job, which became vacant a day later.
However, a combination of a 4-0 victory over Watford and the Canaries allegedly opting for David Wagner has led to Martin instead talking positively about the January transfer window.
With the Swans only four points adrift of the top six, they remain well in the mix for the playoffs, but just 11 points have been collected from their last 10 games.
Martin recently accused his players of lacking the character required to make an impact in the Championship, yet they have responded with a thumping triumph over the Hornets and pushing relentless leaders Burnley all the way in the following game.
While this fixture represents a welcome break from the rigours of the second tier, Martin and his players both know that they require one of their better performances since the end of October if they are to progress.
© Reuters
Swansea's recent poor run started with a 1-1 draw at Ashton Gate, and Bristol City have matched their upcoming opponents with an uninspiring run of form.
Over the same period, Nigel Pearson's team have accumulated only eight points, leaving the Robins just three points above the relegation zone.
On a positive note, successive draws have been kept away at Millwall and Coventry City, with Bristol City now going 13 league fixtures without conceding more than twice in a single match.
Nevertheless, Pearson's outfit have netted just two strikes in four games, as well as chipping in with just one second-half goal since the middle of October.
Team News
© Reuters
Pearson may opt against making widespread changes to his Bristol City XI, aware that building momentum at this stage of their season could prove more important.
Given speculation regarding his future, Alex Scott may be rested in order not to become cup-tied, with Joe Williams an obvious replacement for the youngster.
Tommy Conway may also be preferred to Nahki Wells in attack as he bids to end a goal drought which has lasted since November 8.
Few alterations are expected to be made to the Swansea XI either, particularly with Jamie Paterson and Michael Obafemi unlikely to return while there is substantial interest in their signatures.
Luke Cundle, Olivier Ntcham and Matthew Sorinola are most likely to earn recalls if Martin wishes to introduce fresh legs.
Bristol City possible starting lineup:
O'Leary; Vyner, Atkinson, Naismith; Tanner, Weimann, James, Williams, Pring; Conway, Semenyo
Swansea City possible starting lineup:
Benda; Latibeaudiere, Cabango, Darling, Manning; Allen, Grimes; Ntcham, Piroe, Cooper; Cullen
We say: Bristol City 1-2 Swansea City
Although both clubs have struggled of late, there will be a level of encouragement from their recent results. It remains a difficult match to call, yet we feel that Swansea's greater attacking threat could prove key at Ashton Gate.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
