Bristol City host West Brom at Ashton Gate on Saturday, in a fixture which has seen plenty of action over the last few seasons, with each match since 2018 witnessing over one goal. Last season, Both teams won 2-0 away from home, with Bristol City also winning 3-0 in the FA Cup.
Bristol City
The Robins are currently 8th in the Championship on 8 points after only losing one game so far out of five. Away from home, they are unbeaten and have the second best away record in the league after winning twice and drawing once which includes an impressive smash and grab 1-0 win versus Millwall. However at Ashton Gate, it is a completely different story. Nigel Pearson’s side are yet to win a game after two attempts, only scoring once and conceding three. A common theme for the Robins this season has been a lack of goals in games. The average overall goals for a Bristol City game is 2, the second lowest in the entire Championship.
Last time out, Bristol City completed an outstanding comeback away to Swansea City, having conceded within the first ten minutes. Irishman, Mark Sykes, served as the match winner after equalising and assisting in the second half, continuing his good run of form after assisting versus Hull City in the game prior.
West Brom
Carlos Corberan has led his side to an 11th place position so far this season, with a record of two wins, one draw and two defeats. This puts them on seven points but unlike this weekend’s opponent, the Albions matches have been more tennis like than football. The Baggies have guaranteed entertainment so far as 19 goals have been scored in five games with both teams scoring in every match. Yet, playing away from the Hawthorns has proven to be a difficult task, as West Brom are yet to win a game on the road.
The Spanish boss will be thrilled with how his attack has performed in front of goal, yet he must be concerned with the unconvincing defending and pure lack of control his team displays. It is safe to presume that the defensive aspects have been addressed over the international break and we could see a more stubborn West Brom this weekend. John Swift has been in great goal scoring form so far and has netted in back to back games, taking his tally up to three. The most recent game saw the Baggies suffer a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat at home to Huddersfield Town due to a 96th minute winner for the visitors.
Verdict?
Bristol City are yet to win at home and West Brom are without a win on the road which sets this tie up to be an interesting affair. With how attacking and Leaky the Baggies are, it is safe to presume we should see goals for both teams. The Robins will have the home advantage, which could just be the difference.
The final prediction is Bristol City 1-1 West Brom.
