Bristol City and Preston open their Championship seasons with a fixture at Ashton Gate. Last season, these two teams were separated by just four points. Preston ending in 12th and their upcoming hosts are down in 14th position.
Preview (Bristol City vs Preston)
Bristol City struggled with consistency for most of the previous season. They settled for yet another mid-table position. The Robins finished 15 points clear of the relegation zone. They ended 10 points behind sixth place was more worrisome. Nigel Pearson has to modify his approach right away. The issue might go on longer depending on if Bournemouth is prepared to match Alex Scott’s £25 million asking price. Though Bristol City can be content with their summer.
The quartet of Robert Dickie, Rob McCrorie, Haydon Roberts, and Jason Knight appears to have the skills necessary to improve this team’s starting lineup and depth. Although it is important to note that they played no club higher than League One. Bristol City has completed the preseason unbeaten. Preston manager Ryan Lowe sees his team in need of a little bit of a refresh in order to attempt and move on. After seeing Preston struggle to handle the pressure of being in contention for a playoff spot in 2022–2023, Lowe has made some interesting moves in the transfer market.
Calvin Ramsey and Layton Stewart from Liverpool have generated interest. Mads Frokjaer-Jensen could be one of the summer’s biggest coups. On the field, Preston has struggled lately, winning just one of their last five friendlies. Lowe will be looking for his team to improve after they failed to score at Fleetwood Town or Stockport County.
Team News
Even though Bristol City won their last friendly against Portsmouth, seven substitutes were made at halftime, so it’s possible that some changes will be made for this match. Roberts may have to make do with a spot on the bench as Matty James and Andreas Weimann are most likely to join the club and maybe replace Andy King and Knight.
Sam Bell and Harry Cornick are presumably in competition with Mark Sykes for the two flank positions. Bambo Diaby joining Sheffield Wednesday means that Patrick Bauer should rejoin the Preston back three for this contest. Lowe will need to choose between Greg Cunningham and Kian Best. Both managers have conducted good business in the summer. Our prediction is a draw.
Bristol City 1 – 1 Preston
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