Diedhiou or Martin? Palmer or Weimann? Pick your Bristol City team to take on Stoke City By James Piercy Sports Editor Robins head coach Dean Holden has some big decisions to make ahead of the trip to the Potteries As Dean Holden joked on Wednesday night, he would have to make a trip to the chemist the next morning for some aspirin to help address the selection headache he has for Stoke City on Sunday. Holden will undoubtedly have had an XI in mind after beating Coventry City on the opening day of the season - based on individual's form in that match and the nature of the opposition at the bet365 Stadium. However, the 4-0 win over Northampton Town has complicated matters, mostly in a positive fashion but to get the negative out of the way first. Tomas Kalas injured his shoulder in the opening exchanged and looked in some pain as he left the field with the captain to see a specialist over the problem. It would be a considerable surprise to see the Czech in action on Sunday given the fact that even if it's - fingers crossed - a minor problem, he won't have trained and to play so soon after that sort of injury could be a gamble. As a result, at least for this Sunday, he joins Nathan Baker on the absentee list among the centre-backs leaving Holden's options as: Alfie Mawson, Zak Vyner, Taylor Moore and Tommy Rowe, if he wants to be brought in from the left. However the latter name may be required at left wing-back due to Jay Dasilva's mystery calf/shin injury, unless Holden fancies springing a surprise and keeping Niclas Eliasson in the role. City do have the numbers for Stoke in the middle of the back three but if Kalas is out for an extended period, more reinforcements will be required. Over on the right, it's a battle between Jack Hunt - who started against Coventry - and Steven Sessegon - who played in the Northampton win. Vyner would be a contender but is likely to be needed in the middle. In midfield, City are without Liam Walsh, Joe Williams and Callum O'Dowda, and although Joe Morrell was scheduled to return to training on Friday, Stoke may come too soon. That leaves Adam Nagy, who was excellent against the Cobblers, Kasey Palmer, who was even better, Han-Noah Massengo, Andi Weimann (now converted into a kind of false 10), Chris Brunt and Jamie Paterson for the three centre-midfield spots. There are strong cases for each one to be included, never mind the various combinations. Including Eliasson in the No10 role, if Holden wants to go really rogue. It's a similar situation in attack with Chris Martin and Antoine Semenyo doing all they can to press their claims for selection in place of or alongside Nahki Wells and Famara Diedhiou. Whatever team Holden picks, there will be some aspect that someone disagrees with, but here's your chance to show what the head coach should do. Use our squad selector widget below, to pick your team and preferred formation. https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/sport/football/diedhiou-martin-palmer-weimann-pick-4529475
Who wrote this? He's failed to mention Bakinson, who's probably been one of the best performers in the last two games!!
Martin and Wells upfront, Bakinson for Massengo and Nagy for Weimann. Palmer and Semyeno at some stage perhaps, but definitely start them both against Villa. I suspect he will stick with Weimann (who is not good enough in midfield) and Diedhiou and Wells upfront, only Bakinson for Massengo.
What about Paterson? You can’t play Palmer and Paterson together. Plus we’ve a game midweek and the weekend after. So do you want to burn the players out the beginning of the season?
Stoke likely line-up According to WhoScored, this is how the Potters will take to the field on Sunday. (3-5-2): Jack Butland; James Chester, Bruno Martins Indi, Danny Batth; Tommy Smith, Sam Clucas, Nick Powell, Jon Obi Mikel, Morgan Fox; Sam Vokes, Tyrese Campbell
It's a tough call, yes some player's shone in mid-week, but it was only against Northampton, so some perspective is needed, which I'm sure DH and his management team will provide. Stoke will be a very different proposition. I would definitely agree with Bakinson over Massengo and Martin over Fammy. Tough shout between Pato and Palmer to be honest. I also thought Steven Sessengon did well against Northampton and could challenge Jack Hunt.
Gotta start with Pato - he’s had a great start to the season so far. Again without trying to sound negative, the cup game was against a lower league side and the performances, whilst good, can’t really be used as a benchmark for this clash with a fellow championship side.
2020-21 Championship – Stoke vs Bristol City Preview & Prediction THE FACTS When does Stoke vs Bristol City kick off? Sunday 20th September, 2020 – 14:00 (UK) Where is Stoke vs Bristol City being played? Bet365 Stadium, Stoke-on-Trent Where can I get tickets for Stoke vs Bristol City? This match will be played without spectators What TV channel is Stoke vs Bristol City on in the UK? Sky Sports have the rights to Championship matches in the UK, so it is worth checking their schedule Where can I stream Stoke vs Bristol City in the UK? If televised, subscribers can stream the match live on Sky Go THE TEAM NEWS STOKE Predicted line-up (3-5-2): Davies; Chester, Batth, Martins-Indi; Smith, Powell, Obi, Clucas, Fox; Vokes, Campbell Unavailable: Allen (Injured), Verlinden (Injured), Edwards (Injured) Questionable: BRISTOL CITY Predicted line-up (3-5-2): Bentley; Moore, Vyner, Mawson; Hunt, Patersen, Weimann, Massengo, Rowe; Diedhiou, Wells Unavailable: Baker (Injured), Da Silva (Injured), Kalas (Injured) Questionable: THE PREDICTION Stoke played out a drab 0-0 draw away at Millwall last weekend in the opening Championship fixture, but recorded an impressive 0-1 win away at Wolves in their midweek Carabao Cup match. Michael O’Neill’s men look solid at the back having not conceded a goal yet this season and whilst Bristol City are in good spirits having won their first league game of the season, they are set to be without captain Tomas Kalas for this game, after the central defender picked up an injury in their midweek Carabao Cup tie against Northampton. The hosts look set to take full advantage here and should find the net more than once against a Robins defence minus Kalas in what should be a comfortable win for the Potters. https://www.thestatszone.com/footba...ke-vs-bristol-city-preview-prediction-1234766
MansionBet Match Preview: Stoke City (A) Official Site Preview ~ https://www.bcfc.co.uk/news/mansionbet-match-preview-stoke-city-a/
it will take a few games for this season to settle down benefit is to teams that do not have very big gates [ when it is normal ]..and the players still with them from last season are used to be playing in the subdued atmosphere … … early season is like a pension policy! ...the early gain is the most profitable! Luton and Reading top 2 !!!!! mind I did make the comment pre last games of last season.. like starting again and lowly clubs could do well for first few games … and they did. we have a good chance of a point tomorrow ...well clock just ticked over so its today! … a draw would put us 4th!!! alphabetical order!
Dangerous diagonals and Nick Powell's playmaking - What Bristol City can expect from Stoke City We cast a detailed eye over the Robins opposition in Sunday's Championship clash https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/sport/football/dangerous-diagonals-nick-powells-playmaking-4530657
Stoke City v Bristol City: How to watch, streaming details plus injury news from both camps Dean Holden is looking to maintain his 100% record as permanent Robins head coach https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/sport/football/stoke-city-v-bristol-city-4532700
