Bristol City vs Brentford
Ashton Gate
Sky Bet Championship
Kick-off 3pm
THE OPPOSITION
Bristol City's early season exploits seem to be catching up with them at just the wrong time as they slip away from the Play-Off chasing pack. Little could go wrong for Lee Johnson's men before Christmas as they racked up win after win in both league and cup. Manchester United, Watford, Stoke City, and Crystal Palace were all dumped out of the EFL Cup as The Robins' went into Christmas in fine shape.
However, a dramatic 2-1 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers on 30 December appeared to be a turning point. Their EFL Cup campaign came to an end shortly afterwards at the hands of Manchester City as they lost six out of seven in three competitions. Since that defeat to Wolves, Lee Johnson's side have won just three of their last 18 games to slip from automatic promotion chasers to Play-Off hopefuls.
TEAM NEWS
Lee Johnson will be able to welcome back a number of key men as City's lenghty injury-list starts to clear up. Doubts remain over Callum O'Dowda and Matty Taylor but Nathan Baker was fit enough to return to the bench on Friday. Joe Bryan and Aden Flint are both likely to start after completing their respective suspensions in recent games.
For The Bees, Rico Henry remains out with his knee-injury while Andreas Bjelland is touch and go as he recovers from a calf injury. It's a case of one in and one out in midfield as Romaine Sawyers returns from suspension but Ryan Woods begins his ban after Friday's dismissal against Sheffield United.
THE MANAGER
Son of Cheltenham Town boss Gary, Lee played for his father at Yeovil Town and Bristol City. In his 13-year playing career, he also appeared for Heart of Midlothian, Derby County, Chesterfield and Kilmarnock. He won promotion twice under Gary at Yeovil Town and was part of the Bristol City side that made the Championship Play-Off final in 2008, losing 1-0 to Hull City. Lee also picked up a Scottish League Cup title while with Kilmarnock.
Lee became the youngest manager in the Football League in March 2013 when he took over at League One side Oldham Athletic. He led them to safety in his first season and their highest finishing position in five years in his second season before departing for Barnsley in February 2015 with The Latics ninth in League One. After initially struggling with The Tykes, he won seven of his last eight league matches, setting Barnsley on their way towards the Play-Off places, before replacing Cotterill at Ashton Gate in February 2016.
PRE-MATCH VIEWS
Chris Mepham on his first goal, Friday's draw, and tomorrow's trip to Bristol City
Opposition View: Gregor MacGregor previews tomorrow's encounter
Travel Guide: Plan your day at Ashton Gate with our away day guide
Ref Watch: Get the lowdown on Monday's match officials
TICKET AND TRAVEL NEWS
Tickets for tomorrow's game have gone off sale and will not be available on the day.
Due to upgrade work, no trains are running from, or through, Bristol Temple Meads Station on Monday. Check out our travel guide or the national rail website for full information.
BETTING PREVIEW
Principal partners LeoVegas have a range of markets on tomorrow's game. Check out their wide range of markets here.
MATCH COVERAGE
iFollow will be providing commentary from Ashton Gate from 2.30pm with Matchday Live hosted by Mark Burridge. Mark's guests this weekend will be Dave Morley and Ciaran Brett.
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