2 Bristol City dilemmas facing Nigel Pearson ahead of Coventry City tonight | OneFootball

Bristol City host Coventry City at Ashton Gate this evening with Nigel Pearson’s side hoping to put an end to a three-match losing run.

The Robins came away from defeats on the road at Norwich City and Burnley before the international break with plenty of credit but Saturday’s loss at home to QPR was disappointing.

The action-packed nature of the Championship schedule in October means they don’t have to wait long for a chance to bounce back, which comes tonight against bottom-of-the-table Coventry.

That is something of a false position for the Sky Blues, however, as they’ve got two games in hand over many of the sides in the division and are unbeaten in their last three games, including a win over Middlesbrough on the weekend.

Pearson has plenty to weigh up ahead of kick-off and, with that in mind, here are two Bristol City dilemmas facing him…

Who to start in midfield

Matty James missed out against QPR due to injury and Alex Scott is suspended after picking up a fifth yellow card of the season on Saturday meaning Pearson will have a decision to make in the centre of the park.

Due to his injury record, the Robins have opted against starting Joe Williams in back-to-back games this term but it is certainly something they’ll be considering now.

Han-Noah Massengo looks the most likely to step into midfield against Coventry with Andy King a probable partner if Williams is not risked and James isn’t fit.

Mark Sykes can also do a job in central midfield while young Dylan Kadji impressed in the Carabao Cup against the Sky Blues back in August so there are other options available.

Quiz: Did Bristol City win, draw or lose the last time they played at these 18 stadiums?

1 of 18

Carrow Road - Norwich

Win Draw Lose

Whether to make a change at right wing-back

Sykes has been one of the Robins most impressive players this season but the summer signing was really poor at right wing-back against the R’s on Saturday and Pearson will be weighing up whether it is time to make a change.

In Kane Wilson, he has the 2021/22 League Two Player of the Season waiting for an opportunity but the 22-year-old has not looked particularly assured since joining the Ashton Gate outfit, and while his attacking quality is clear to see, there are some question marks about him defensively at this point.

If Pearson is looking for the safer option then George Tanner, back fit after recovering from injury, could well be the player he turns to.

Having multiple options on the right flank is not something supporters have been used to in recent years and it is a good problem to have ahead of the Coventry game but a dilemma nonetheless.