Bristol City have endured a tough start to the campaign, currently sitting in 18th.

Nigel Pearson's side have won one, drawn one and lost three of their previous five games.

Their last match was a 1-1 draw against Blackburn Rovers, with Callum O'Dowda netting for the Robins.

Unlike their opponents, Stoke City are enjoying their Championship exploits so far, with the Potters in fourth place heading into this game.

Michael O'Neill's men are in fine form too, after a 2-0 win against Peterborough at the weekend saw them win three consecutive games for the first time since October 2016.

Mario Vrancic opened the scoring last time out, with Tyrese Campbell netting his first goal since returning from long-term injury.

  • Team news

Bristol City

Matty James (foot) is in contention to return, but faces a late fitness test for the visit of the Potters.

Andy King and George Tanner are both recovering from hamstring issues and are not expected back until early to mid-December.

Stoke City 

Sam Surridge begins the first of his three-game ban, after being dismissed against Peterborough for violent conduct.

Josh Tymon faces a late fitness test on a tight hamstring that forced him to withdraw from Saturday's game.

Jordan Thompson, Sam Clucas and Abdallah Sima remain major doubts to feature.

Joe Bursik, Nick Powell and Harry Souttar are all long-term absentees.

  • Predicted lineups

Bristol City (3-5-2)

Bentley; Vyner, Kalas, Baker; Scott, Williams, Bakinson, Massengo, O'Dowda; Weimann, Martin.

Stoke City (3-5-2)

Davies; Batth, Ostigard, Chester; Smith, Allen, Sawyers, Vrancic, Fox; Brown, Fletcher.

  • Ones to watch

Andreas Weimann

Weimann has been the Robins' talisman this season, with his seven goals and three assists making him the club's top scorer so far. He has been an ever-present, starting every game owing to his hard work and knack for finishing big chances.

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The former Austria international has been in English football since the age of 16, so Championship fans and defences are no strangers to his talents. Now 30, his red-hot form could see him produce his best ever campaign in front of goal, with just four goals needed to set a new personal best.  

Mario Vrancic

Vrancic's summer capture from Norwich City was welcomed by Stoke fans, but even the most optimistic supporter could not have imagined how impactful the Bosnian was going to be in a red and white shirt. The 32-year-old has two goals and four assists so far this campaign, after doubling his goal tally last time out against Peterborough.

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The central midfielder sits atop of the key passes per 90 chart in the Championship (3.3) - a real highlight of just how influential he has been. He was even rewarded with a first call-up to the Bosnian national team since 2019 recently, but unfortunately pulled out with a knock. 

  • Previous meetings

Last season, this fixture ended 2-0 to the visitors, with Powell and Steven Fletcher notching the goals.

The reverse fixture was the same scoreline, with Bristol City picking up a 2-0 away win courtesy of Nahki Wells and the aforementioned Weimann.

The Robins have won just two of their last 12 home games against the Potters (94-95', 07-08').

Stoke are looking to secure consecutive away wins at Ashton Gate for the first time since 1956.

  • How to watch 

The game kicks off at 19:45 GMT on Wednesday November 24.

It is available to watch on Sky Sports Main Event, with coverage from 19:00.

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