"Something different" - Bristol City urged to make key Yu Hirakawa call v Swansea City | OneFootball

The Japanese international has impressed in his brief appearances as a Robins player so far

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Bristol City got back to winning ways last time out as they came from behind to overcome Oxford United at Ashton Gate, and Liam Manning’s side will be looking to continue that momentum this weekend as they travel to Swansea City on Sunday.

There will be no love lost between the two rivals as they go head-to-head on the Welsh coast, with the Robins looking to claim a first victory on the road this season against the Swans.

Manning’s half-time switch against the U’s made all the difference last time out, as Yu Hirakawa made his Ashton Gate bow, and made all the difference as his team managed to overturn the deficit and earn a second win of the season.

With that eye-catching performance in front of his home fans, Football League World’s Bristol City fan pundit Tom Sandy believes the Japanese star has earned himself a place in the starting lineup for this weekend, with his brilliance adding an extra dimension into the City side.

Yu Hirakawa tipped for first Bristol City start in Swansea City clash

City fans have had to be patient in waiting to catch a glimpse of their summer loan signing, with Hirakawa linking up with the Japanese Olympic football team in Paris over the summer.

The midfielder suffered an ankle injury while at the tournament, which saw him miss the start of the season, before he made his first appearance for the Robins in their 3-0 defeat to Derby County last month.

After another substitute appearance against Blackburn Rovers, the midfielder finally got the chance to influence a game when he came on at the interval last time out, with his impetus and energy helping to turn things around against the U’s.

With his fitness improving every week, Sandy believes this weekend’s clash would be the perfect opportunity to throw him in from the start, as City look to get one over their Welsh rivals.

The Bristol City fan said: ”One change I would definitely make for this weekend’s fixture is to start Yu Hirakawa on the right wing.

“He made an instant impact in the last game against Oxford, and both our goals came through his hard work.

“The first one came from him dribbling inside, before playing the ball out to Jason Knight, who drills in the cross for Sinclair Armstrong.

“The second one, again he carries the ball forward, we then spread the ball out wide, win the penalty, and Nahki Wells converts to win us the game.

“He looks like that dynamic winger that we have been looking for and been waiting for since he joined and then got injured.

“He is that something different and he looks really bright, so I am really excited to see how he gets on until the end of the season.”

Bristol City urged to make Yu Hirakawa deal permanent

It may be early days, but there is already clamour for Hirakawa to be signed permanently in the summer, with City having an option to buy when the season comes to an end.

The winger’s contract with parent club Machida Zelvia is said to expire in January 2026, and Sandy is confident that if the Japanese star keeps up his current levels of performance, he should be offered a full-time deal in the West Country.

He continued: “Obviously he is on loan, but I believe his contract runs out in Japan very soon, and we have a sign-on clause anyway, so I imagine we will make him a permanent signing if he continues the sort of performances he did in that first game.

“I’m very excited to see how he carries on, and I think he is a must-start for this weekend.”