The Robins to continue bobbing along
Friday night’s Championship action sees Lee Johnson’s Bristol City host Birmingham as they attempt to reach the play-offs. Can the Robins finally make the grade? Have a read of our preview here:
Back on track
Bristol City seem to always suffer a late-season wobble which ends up jeopardising their play-off hopes. It appeared as though this season was going the same way following a dreadful run of form that saw them lose four out of five games between early December and New Year.
That now appears to be behind them after last weekend’s impressive win at Loftus Road means they have now won three straight games on the road and four consecutive matches in the Championship.
The signing of Nahki Wells on loan from Burnley was also a popular move with the fans and if he can replicate his performances with QPR, where he netted 15 goals in 30 appearances, then he could help fire the Robins to a top-six finish.
Bristol City have never played in the Premier League and they will have to work hard to achieve it in one of Europe’s most competitive divisions. With the likes of Brentford, Fulham and Nottingham Forest all above them and Swansea and Millwall pushing them hard, it will be an exciting end to the season in the second tier.
Faith in Pep paying off?
Birmingham fans who were calling for manager Pep Clotet to be sacked may be having another rethink following last weekend’s 2-1 win against high-flying Nottingham Forest.
The result means the Blues have now gone four unbeaten after struggling to buy a win during December. They will feel a result at Ashton Gate is easily within their grasp even if the home side remain favourites.
Players like Lukas Jutkiewicz have been instrumental for Birmingham this season with the big striker netting 10 times in the Championship.
Jeremie Bela and Maxime Colin have provided the creativity, both notching five assists during the campaign so far and recent results, including a win at Luton and draw at Middlesbrough, have helped move them well clear of the relegation places.
Does Pep Clotet deserve more time? On recent performances you’d have to say yes, but in football, you are only as good as your last result, so the jury remains out on the former Oxford manager.
Bristol City vs. Birmingham City betting tip
Despite Birmingham having found a bit of form, you’d expect Bristol City to get the three points at home. So, we are backing Bristol City to win at odds of 10/11 with Betfair.
