Bristol City V Birmingham at Ashton Gate - Match Preview




Robins sweat on trio

Rock-bottom Bristol City will hand fitness tests to three first-team regulars ahead of the clash with Birmingham at Ashton Gate where defeat would see the Robins relegated to npower League One.

Centre back Liam Fontaine and midfielder Stephen Pearson (both ankle) and Wales defender Lewin Nyatanga, who broke his nose in Saturday's 2-1 defeat to Bolton, will all be assessed ahead of kick off.

However, striker Jon Stead is not ready to return from a groin injury and captain Cole Skuse underwent surgery on his knee cartilage on Monday, ending his campaign.

City, who have not beaten Birmingham in eight games since a 3-0 victory back in November 1993, could still be relegated even if they are victorious - provided Peterborough or Blackburn are victorious on Tuesday night.

Birmingham boast no fresh injury or suspension concerns ahead of their trip.

Chris Burke returned from an ankle injury to take his place in City's 18 for Friday night's trip to Leicester and duly stepped off the bench to convert the injury-time penalty which clinched a 2-2 draw.

On-loan Newcastle winger Shane Ferguson was also back in the fold after illness and both will again make the trip to Ashton Gate.

Midfielder Jonathan Spector is unlikely to make his return from an ankle injury and is expected to continue to sit out alongside Keith Fahey (hip) and long-term absentees Marlon King, Stephen Carr, David Murphy and Will Packwood.

Blues, in 15th, could go a long way to finally making sure of their Championship status should they beat the Robins, who are currently 10 points from safety at the bottom of the table with 12 left to play for.




Source: PA

Source: PA