Bristol City v Millwall

Last updated : 06 August 2010 By BBC Sport

England goalkeeper David James is set to make his City debut, but fellow new signings Nicky Hunt (ankle) and Kalifa Cisse (thigh) will miss the game.Nicky Maynard (knee), Louis Carey (heel), Lewin Nyatanga (knee), James Wilson (groin) Christian Ribeiro (back) and Danny Haynes (thigh) are also out.

Millwall midfielder Jimmy Abdou (ankle) is sidelined, so loan signing Darren Carter is expected to start.

Striker Shaun Batt could face a long absence after undergoing knee surgery.

MATCH PREVIEW

After making several summer signings - most notably the capture of David James - Steve Coppell takes charge of his first league match as Bristol City boss, while Millwall are looking forward to life in the Championship after four years in the third tier.

Millwall's promotion last season, which was secured via the play-offs, was in no small part down to their excellent defending, which they will hope to continue at a higher level.

The south London side were solid at the back and conceded only 44 goals in their 46 league games, with Lions goalkeeper David Forde managing an impressive 15 clean sheets.

Their defence will face a stiffer test this season, but have been spared the task of containing Nicky Maynard. He netted 20 goals last term for City, who have not lost on the opening day for 10 years.

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head

• These clubs are meeting for the first time in four seasons.

Have your say on this match

• Millwall's last win at Ashton Gate came in November 1993.

Bristol City

• City were last beaten at home on 6 March, when Doncaster beat them 5-2. They won three and drew two of the five subsequent home games.

• Last season, City were one of five clubs that did not lose a Championship game after scoring the opening goal.

• The Robins have won six and drawn four of their last 10 opening-day matches.

Millwall

• Millwall are starting a season away from home for the fourth year in a row.

• They have not won their opening game since the start of the 2003/04 campaign.

Source: BBC Sport

Source: BBC Sport