Bristol City faithful will be purring at this Nahki Wells factor - it could land them PL football | OneFootball

Nahki Wells' promotion with Huddersfield Town could come in crucial for Bristol City.

Bristol City supporters are beginning to get excited about the prospect of a top six finish as the finishing line approaches.

The Robins have long been a Championship side hindered by mid-table mediocrity, with ten consecutive seasons of finishes between 19th and eighth place.

This campaign feels different, though. A solid defence is complemented by an outrageously good midfield, while the attacking spark of Anis Mehmeti and Scott Twine adds further quality.

The key difference has been their ability to grind out points in crucial matches. In the past month, they’ve defeated play-off rivals such as West Bromwich Albion, Watford, and Norwich City, with Haydon Roberts’ last-minute winner against the Baggies sending Ashton Gate into raptures.

However, one man who has largely gone unnoticed amid all the excitement from the outside is Nahki Wells. The 34-year-old has scored ten goals so far this campaign, and his experience from securing play-off promotion with Huddersfield Town could prove invaluable if City are to capitalise on the strong position they find themselves in.

Nahki Wells' Huddersfield Town experience could aid Bristol City

Wells is one of the most well-known strikers across the EFL, but his time at Ashton Gate has been more about bringing experience and know-how to the team than the goalscoring feats that made his name.

Since joining in January 2020, the Bermudian international has scored 48 goals in 230 appearances, which is by no means a poor return. However, this season could be where his leadership proves invaluable.

In 2017, while at Huddersfield Town, he found himself in a similar position, with the Terriers securing a play-off spot despite being real underdogs.

First, they overcame Sheffield Wednesday on penalties after drawing 1-1 over the two-legged semi-final, with Wells scoring in the shootout. That set up a play-off final and a chance at the Premier League against Reading. After playing the full 120 minutes, another penalty shootout followed. Drawing on his experience from the clash with the Owls, Wells stepped up once more, confidently firing his penalty past Ali Al-Habsi in a shootout that Huddersfield won 4-3 to take them to the top flight.

This is the experience Wells will lean on in the hunt for Premier League football. In a youthful side, his promotion credentials will be pivotal, and if City are to defy the odds, they will need to rely on players like the 34-year-old to deliver consistent performances.

Liam Manning has to trust Nahki Wells

This campaign has seen head coach Liam Manning rotate between using either Wells or Sinclair Armstrong up front. The Irish youth international, 13 years Wells' junior, has started 17 games this season, while the former Huddersfield striker has been in the starting XI 21 times.

The 39-year-old head coach clearly hasn't fully settled on who to utilise up front, but with Wells netting three goals in the last four games, his case has been strengthened, particularly after scoring in that big win over West Brom.

Of course, at the Bermudian's age, it's not as straightforward as starting every week, but once a play-off spot is secured, the striker can rest and prepare for the semi-final.

This season, Wells' 10 goals have come from an expected figure of 7.56, demonstrating the kind of finishing ability the Robins will need if they are to overcome teams like Sunderland in the play-offs.

He must lead the line for Manning, as his understanding of high-pressure situations could give City the edge in what is a crucial end to the season. You never know, like at Huddersfield, it could lead to Premier League promotion against the odds.