The run almost ended at home to Huddersfield on Saturday, but the die hard attitude prevailed and we fought back to win, now we need to go again not once but twice on the road and here is the first of a tough week of games for Saints.

On Saturday I though that Russell Martin would have rung the changes, however he didn’t and we looked a little bit leggy in the first half, however we had two changes forced on us by injury and that proved fortuitous with both subs Joe Rothwell & David Brooks making major contributions to the win.

Now with Flynn Downes already confirmed as out of the game at Bristol City and Che Adams facing a late fitness check it seems that both Rothwell & Brooks are likely to start at Ashton Gate this evening.

But there could be a surprise starter with Sekou Mara who also made a big impact in the final knocking against Huddersfield also in line for a start to replace Adams.

Joe Aribo is also back from AFCON, but he is not likely to feature tonight, but will be in contention on Friday against West Brom.

So Russell Martin’s team selection is not as straightforward as it has been in the last month or so, he has injuries and he has a dilemma or two and he will need to mix and mend a bit with 3 games coming up in the space of a week now.

But Saints supporters saw on Saturday that his team can not only play some great football but it can roll up it’s sleeves and work hard, not just the starting XI but those coming off the bench as was shown on Saturday.

Bristol City are no pushovers, they sit bang in mid table on 41 points and will harbour hopes of making the play offs, that hope though faded a little in February after a bad run of results, however they won at the weekend and now sit just 6 points off 6th place and will be looking to close that gap.

However their home form is not as good as some and they have taken just 21 points from 15 home games, on the road gaining just one less.

Goals are in short supply at Ashton Gate, only 18 for and just 17 conceded, so they are a resilient side as Leeds found out recently when although dominating the game only won 1-0.

It’s hotting up at the top Saints need to keep winning and keep putting the pressure on, every game is a big one now.

Photo: Action Images

Avior added 14:35 - Feb 13 Wouldn't be surprised if he "rests" AA and plays Mara in the middle with Edozie or Brooks out wide. If not Brooks may well replace Stuey.
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