Match Preview | Bristol City vs. Cardiff City
Cardiff City travel to Ashton Gate to face Bristol City in the Severnside derby on Sunday afternoon, 12pm KO.
OPPOSITION FOCUS | IN THE DUGOUT
On the touchline for Bristol City this weekend will be Nigel Pearson, who has been manager of the Robins since April 2021.
In his playing career, Pearson was well-established in the EFL, making over 100 league appearances for Shrewsbury Town, Sheffield Wednesday and Middlesbrough.
His success in management began at Leicester City, where he guided them to the League One title in the 2008/09 season, before winning the Championship during his second spell in 2013/14.
The following year, Pearson led the Foxes to safety, becoming only the third team in Premier League history to escape relegation having occupied the bottom spot at Christmas.
Following his departure from the King Power Stadium in June 2015, Pearson has had spells at Derby County, OH Leuven and Watford, prior to making the move to Bristol City.
OPPOSITION FOCUS | SUMMER SIGNINGS
Pearson has looked to strengthen his squad this summer by utilising the free transfers market.
The Robins boss has brought in French goalkeeper Stefan Bajic from Pau FC, who has featured at five different age groups for the French National Team.
Right-back Kane Wilson was high in demand after being named League Two Player of the Season at the end of his last campaign with Forest Green. Pearson managed to attract the 22-year-old to Ashton Gate, making his competitive debut off the bench in the season opener against Hull City.
Bristol City have also brought in midfielder Mark Sykes, following the expiration of his contract at Oxford United. The 25-year-old made over 100 appearances during his three years with the U’s, notably scoring in the 2020 League One play-off Final.
The Robins made the acquisition of the versatile Kal Naismith from Luton Town this summer, who impressed for Nathan Jones’ side, who were narrowly defeated in last season’s play-off semi-final. The 30-year-old has already made an impression at Ashton Gate, standing out in their 2-0 win over his previous club last time out.
OPPOSITION FOCUS | KEY PLAYERS
Pearson’s side’s main danger is attacker Andreas Weimann, who finished last season as the club’s top scorer. The Austrian netted an impressive tally of 22 league goals last term and has already scored four goals in all competitions this campaign.
Fellow attacker Nahki Wells also provides a threat for the Robins, having found the net on 19 occasions since joining from Burnley in 2020.
Prior to his move to Ashton Gate, Wells had a successful loan spell at Queens Park Rangers, where he had an impressive record of 13 goals in 26 league fixtures.
Summer signing Naismith has already impressed in the early stages of his Robins career and despite being able to play in numerous positions, the Scotsman contributed with some great defensive performances for Luton Town last season.
CITY FLASHBACK | CITY HIT ROBINS FOR SIX
One of City’s most memorable performances at Ashton Gate came in January 2010, when the Bluebirds put in a fantastic display to dispatch the Robins.
Three goals in five first-half minutes from Peter Whittingham, Ross McCormack and Michael Chopra saw City emphatically gain control.
With Liam Fontaine turning into his own net on the stroke of half-time, there was no let up from the Bluebirds in the second-half.
Chopra was sent through by Jay Bothroyd and finished calmly to secure his brace, before McCormack also netted his second goal, smashing home with a brilliant strike from distance.
