Match Context

Bristol City travel to St Andrew's for their first away outing under new manager Michael Skubala. The fixture is the final away game of the 2025/26 Championship season and the last match of Roy Hodgson’s interim spell. City were beaten by Birmingham in their previous outing, with a late Tomi Horvat goal deciding a 1-0 defeat.

Key Absences

Birmingham will be without Cam Pring through injury and Adam Randell, who is serving a suspension after a red card at Ashton Gate. Luke McNally remains a long-term absentee and is unlikely to return to the matchday squad.

Defensive Set-up

Skubala is expected to keep his 4-2-3-1 formation, but a back-three is not ruled out. Sam Tickle is the preferred goalkeeper, having made his Championship debut in the loss to Millwall. Right-back George Tanner is likely to start, while Rio Cardines is expected to take the left-back role, leaving Lisav Eissat on the bench.

Midfield Core

The midfield will be anchored by skipper Jason Knight, who played a key role in last week’s defeat. Joe Williams is expected to step into Adam Randell’s boots, having taken over at half-time against Millwall. Dom Ballard is projected to start in the nine-and-a-half role ahead of Scott Twine, Tomi Horvat and Sam Bell.

Attack and Wings

The wide positions will see Yu Hirakawa start on the right, having impressed in his previous appearance. On the left, the choice will be between Scott Twine, Sam Greenwood, Tomi Horvat and Sam Bell. The centre-forward spot is a toss-up between Emil Riis and Lorent Tolaj, with Tolaj currently favoured after two ineffective substitute appearances.

Tactical Flexibility

Skubala has hinted at a possible shift to a back-three, but the current squad depth suggests he will stick to the 4-2-3-1. The team will rely on experienced Championship campaigners Rob Dickie and Rob Atkinson at centre-back, while Noah Eile is on the bench.

Likely Starting XI

The predicted lineup is a 4-2-3-1: Sam Tickle; George Tanner, Rio Cardines, Lisav Eissat, Rob Atkinson; Jason Knight, Joe Williams; Dom Ballard, Yu Hirakawa, Scott Twine; Emil Riis. The bench will feature Brad Collins, Noah Eile, Jed Wallace, Gibson Yah, Tomi Horvat, Sam Bell and others.

Skubala will likely start with Sam Tickle between the posts.