BRISTOL CITY host Swansea City in the English Championship on Friday with the Welsh side looking for their first league win of the season.
Nigel Pearson insisted his Bristol City were overdue a victory after they won 3-2 at Reading in midweek and he believed they had been due it after a draw against Blackpool and a narrow defeat at Middlesbrough.
But for Swans new boss Russell Martin, the season hasn't started the way he wanted at all. They lost at home to Blackburn Rovers, were defeated at Stoke City and drew with Sheffield United in between, so he could really do with his first league win.
Swansea appear to be suffering the aftermath of a turbulent pre-season with games cancelled, a new management team in place and they are still finding their feet.
It's both clubs' third game in just six days as the hectic Championship season goes into overdrive and, as always in this league, a couple of wins can propel any team up the table.
How the bookies view it
Bookies are really struggling to call this game – for example, Tonybet has both sides at 17/10 to win, which is the best price for a home win. Betfred go 9/5 for a Swansea win and the draw is 23/10 with bet365.
Recent head to heads
Last season the sides drew 1-1 at Ashton Gate as seen below, but Swansea crashed to a 3-1 defeat at the Liberty in the reverse fixture. Swansea haven't won on their last three visits.
Players to watch
Austrian hitman Andreas Weimann got off the mark for Bristol City in midweek with a double. After missing nine months after a cruciate knee ligament injury he suffered last October, he was handed a three-year deal in the summer and is a threat for the hosts.
Dutch striker Joel Piroe has netted two goals in three games since his £1 million summer move from Sparta Rotterdam and will be a danger for Swansea City.
Anything else catch the eye?
There were signs that Pearson has got Bristol City going after a frustrating start to the season and it could pay to back the Robins tonight. They could easily have got a win in their two previous games and the win at Reading will have given them a real confidence boost.
As stated, Swansea have struggled so far this season and boss Martin is still trying to get his message across.
It could be worth backing Swansea on a corners match bet though. They were at the top of the possession league with 61 per cent and that should yield flag kicks. Bristol City's three league games have seen them earn a grand total of just five corners.
This England Championship match between Bristol City and Swansea City will be played on Aug 20, 2021 and kick off at 19:45. Check below for our tipsters best Bristol City vs Swansea City prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
