Blackburn Rovers will be looking to continue their fine form on home soil as they go in search of a third league victory at Ewood Park, while Bristol City visit BB2 in hope of a second league win of the season.
The hosts remain unbeaten in the Championship, coming off the back of a resilient East Lancashire derby display, when they drew away at Burnley last time out.
It was former Bristol City skipper Andreas Weimann’s spectacular strike on the half-volley that secured the point for Rovers, in his first league start of the season.
Liam Mannings’ Robins side have only picked up one point from two games on their travels so far this campaign, and will be looking to bounce back from a 3-0 thrashing away at Derby County, before the international break.
Team news
Blackburn Rovers
John Eustace will be without Makhtar Gueye as he serves a suspension following his dismissal at Turf Moor. The number nine has five goal contributions in his last five games in all competitions.
Defensive duo Harry Pickering and Danny Baath have both returned to full fitness and are likely to be involved, following their absence’s last time out.
Deadline day arrivals Todd Cantwell and Balazs Toth were not registered in time to be involved on derby day, but are both expected to be in the matchday squad.
While academy graduates Harry Leonard and Zak Gilsenan both still remain absent.
Bristol City
Rob Atkinson has not featured for City since the February of 2023, when he sustained an ACL injury that saw him miss nearly a season and a half. But he is finally available for selection once again.
Fellow defender Luke McNally could be set for his debut this weekend, following his arrival from Burnley on deadline day.
Rob Dickie, Ross McCrorie and George Earthy are all unlikely to feature.
Likely Lineups
Blackburn (4-2-3-1)
Pears, Brittain, Carter, Hyam, Beck, Tronstad, Travis, Hedges, Dolan, Weimann, Ohashi
Bristol City (4-3-3)
O’Leary, Tanner, McNally, Vyner, Pring, Bird, Knight, Williams, Mehmeti, Twine, Mayulu
Key Players
Blackburn: Lewis Travis
Rovers academy graduate Lewis Travis has endured a tremendous start to the season at the heart of midfield, in his return to Ewood following a loan spell at Ipswich Town in the second-half of last season.
The tough tackling enforcer was re-named captain this season after he lost the armband and headed out on loan last term.
Travis has formed a sturdy partnership with Sondre Tronstad, with the duo starting all four league games together so far.
He is a vocal and demanding leader with over 200 appearances in a Rovers shirt. The 26-year-old provides a reliable transition from defence to attack.
Bristol City: Joe Williams
Joe Williams has been an ever present fixture in City’s midfield over the past couple of seasons, after joining from Wigan Athletic back in 2020 he has now made over 100 appearances.
City are a side that endure plenty of possession and Williams proves to be an influential individual when it comes to executing Manning’s play style.
Enduring full 90’s in each of his sides four opening fixtures, deployed alongside skipper Jason Kight in the centre of the park.
He has an extensive passing range with his sole assist of the season so far coming when he picked out Scott Twine with a pinpoint placed curling cross into the box during City’s 4-3 victory over Millwall.
Match Details
Where is the game being played?
The fixture takes place at Ewood Park.
What Time is kick-off?
It is a 15:00 BST kick-off on September 14th.
How can I watch?
The encounter takes place during the 15:00 blackout so it is not televised in the UK, however highlight packages will be available after the game on both the clubs respective YouTube channels. As well as being on the EFL Goals Show on ITV4 at 9pm on Saturday evening.
