Dom Ballard, Bristol City's number 23, will try to end Southampton's unbeaten home record when the two Championship clubs meet at St Mary's Stadium on Saturday, 12 September. Ballard has scored twice already this season, both goals coming on the road, as Michael Skubala's side chase a fourth straight league win.
Ballard finding his scoring touch
Ballard left Southampton after making only a handful of senior appearances on the south coast before rebuilding his career at Leyton Orient, where he became the club's top scorer. That form persuaded Bristol City to sign him, and his most recent contribution came with a flicked finish in a draw with Birmingham. LiveScore's coverage of the club described him as 'the confident number 23' who 'has two goals next to his name this campaign in Championship action'.
Skubala's turnaround
Michael Skubala, who previously guided Lincoln City to the League One title, lost his opening matches in charge of Bristol City before turning things around. Reflecting on his start, Skubala said his own difficult beginning was 'much like Tonda Eckert, wasn't an instant success when stepping into his brand-new dug-out'. Since then, he has put together a winning run, and fans can track the club's progress through the standings page.
Contrasting away and home form
Bristol City sit seventh in the Championship, close behind leaders West Brom, and remain unbeaten away from Ashton Gate, the best record on the road in the division. Wins at Preston North End and at Burnley, both goals arriving late, have the club on a winning run, the shape of which is laid out on the stats page. Southampton, meanwhile, have won all of their home league matches this season against Stoke City, Millwall and Swansea City. Despite that record, Southampton sit lower in the table, with Cyle Larin and Finn Azaz their main attacking threats. Bristol City fans can check the squad list Skubala has to choose from for the trip south.
The two sides last met when Bristol City won at Ashton Gate. Saturday's rematch at St Mary's Stadium kicks off with Bristol City still chasing promotion to the Premier League.
