In a season which has had more twists than a McEwan novel, last weeks 2-1 loss to Sheffield United condemned City to another poor result, but guaranteed their place in the dreaded play-offs. With the final game of the season against Preston North End this Sunday, Bristol City need to play for a confidence boosting win going into the lottery that is the play-offs.
Despite knowing automatic promotion is beyond them and their play-off spot now guaranteed, Sunday's match is actually anything but academic. The team needs a confidence boost after a run of 4 games without a win, and Gary Johnson knows how important it could be to maintain 4th spot and the home advantage in the second leg against whomever inherits fifth place.
Johnson said "This game gives the players a chance to prove themselves before the play-offs and that's a big thing." With Preston North End in great form since Alan Irvine took the reins from Paul Simpson, they come into this clash losing only 1 in the last 10 matches. Irvine himself remarked "Had the season started in January, we would be near the top of the league." A win tomorrow at Ashton Gate could see Preston finish 14th, a great achievement considering the club were languishing in 21st place when Irvine took over the job.
The match will hopefully be a better spectacle than the dour 0-0 draw at Deepdale, where but for the crossbar City could have come back to Bristol with 3 points had Scott Murray's late effort not struck the woodwork.
How They Line Up
In goal is Andy Lonergan, a goalkeeper who was second choice until Carlo Nash's move to Wigan, but has firmly cemented his place between the sticks with some great performances.
In defence will be Michael Hart at right full back, a January signing from Aberdeen. He was vice captain with The Dons and it is no coincidence his arrival has coincided with Preston's return to form. At left back could be former City favourite Matty Hill, who despite being player of the year last season, has only started 20 games this season. The former academy product has yet to score for Preston, and will be looking to put one over his friends, maybe by opening his account on Sunday. If Matty does not feature it will be Callum Davidson, the former Scottish international who fills in at left back. He is a goal threat as well as a solid defender, with a sweet left foot.
Centre back and player of the year Sean St Ledger has recovered from injury and is expected to play some part tomorrow. The signing from Peterborough drew criticism from his former clubs fans for his attitude in the Sky One documentary Big Ron Manager, but his performances in a Preston shirt have won over the Deepdale faithful, as well as Steve Staunton who called him up to the Republic of Ireland's squad. If he does not make the match, 20 year old Neal Trotman will start, like he did against Ipswich last week. Alongside St Ledger or Trotman will be the influential Youl Mawene, who despite suffering serious injuries, has recently played his 100th game for Preston.
In midfield, Simon Whaley will compete with Chris Sedgwick for a place on right wing. Whaley has impressed Preston fans but this season his form has been indifferent, despite being second top scorer with 6 goals. Sedgwick, a winger turned centre midfielder, has replaced Whaley in many matches this season. On the left will be Lewis Neal, whose fine form recently has earned him a new contract at the club.
The centre midfield pairing of Paul McKenna and Richard Chaplow will offer work rate and creativity. McKenna, a one club man is currently in his testimonial year at Preston, and City fans have already seen the capabilities of Richard Chaplow, who started for West Bromwich Albion in the 1-1 draw at Ashton Gate earlier this season and played well.
In attack will most likely be Chris Brown, a £700,000 signing from Norwich. There were those who felt the price was inflated, but the performances of the 23 year old have been steadily improving, culminating in last weeks scorcher against Ipswich. He has 5 goals in 16, a similar record to Dele Adebola. Also in attack will be Neil Mellor, the ex Liverpool man has top scored this season with 10 goals, despite being used as a substitute for large parts of the season.
Lonergan
Hart Mawene St Ledger Hill
Sedgwick McKenna Chaplow Neal
Mellor Brown
City News
Despite the loss at Bramall Lane last week, Gary Johnson proclaimed that his Bristol City side had "Got their game back." A large part of this was credited to the introduction of Nicky Carle in centre midfield and the return to form of Lee Trundle, as City attempted to play short crisp football, rather than the direct approach used against Wolves and Stoke City. With David Noble and Michael McIndoe playing on the right and left of midfield respectively, City tried to pass their way through a stubborn Sheffield United back line. The City faithful responded with enthusiasm to the return of good football. It is expected Johnson will name an unchanged line up, with Steve Brooker needing a late fitness test and Lee Johnson looking very doubtful of a swift return. Dele Adebola will be hoping to score the winner like he did for Coventry against Preston earlier this season. If he does, the score will probably be 2-1 like every other time the big man has scored for The Reds.
Basso
Orr McCombe Carey McAllister
Noble Carle Elliott McIndoe
Trundle Adebola
With Marvin Elliott and Bradley Orr set to be presented with their PFA awards, and a play off spot guaranteed, the sell out Ashton Gate crowd will be celebrating, and hopefully celebrating a fourth spot finish with an overdue win. Gary Johnson knows this all too well, "We'll have a big crowd here and we'll want them to be enthusiastic. That means playing football the Bristol City way and coming away with a result."
What he said. C'mon the Reds!
Ross Verbals
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