The January transfer window can't come soon enough for Bristol City, who look in desperate need of the momentum boost that a new arrival may bring. 

It's often felt like one step forward and two steps back for the Robins this term while defeat on Saturday means they're nine points clear of the bottom three so their Championship survival is far from confirmed.

There's been a fair bit of talk about the winter window from both manager Nigel Pearson and CEO Richard Gould, with the former promising departures and the latter hinting at new arrivals.

With just 11 days left of December, we've highlighted two big transfer decisions that Pearson could have to make in the next few weeks...

Cashing in on Jay Dasilva

Jay Dasilva has remained a popular figure in the eyes of the Ashton Gate faithful throughout his time with the club, winning over their hearts when he joined on loan from Chelsea before signing permanently.

There was optimism that a clean bill of health could mean this season was the one that finally saw him kick on but that has not been the case and he appears to now find himself fourth in the pecking order at left wing-back.

With Callum O'Dowda, Cam Pring, and Ayman Benarous seemingly ahead of him in Pearson's estimations, Dasilva has not featured for the Robins since October, which has raised suspicion that he's one of the players the manager considers not to be onside.

The defender is still just 23 and looks to have a bright future ahead of him but with his contract set to expire in the summer of 2023, next month could be the ideal time for City to cash in.

It would be a big call but Pearson doesn't seem to be the sort of figure to shy away from those.

How to strengthen the forward line

The Robins failed to replace Famara Diedhiou in the summer and Chris Martin, as hard as he works for the side, doesn't seem like the right striker to take the club forward.

He may be City's second-highest scorer this term but five goals in 23 appearances is a poor return for the 33-year-old and you feel more firepower could be one of the club's priorities in January.

As per Football League World sources, in-form Motherwell striker Tony Watt is on the club's radar while physical Rotherham United forward Michael Smith was targetted in January and has been excellent through the first half of the 2021/22 campaign.

Bristol World has indicated that the Robins have been eyeing a loan from the Premier League, with the hope of landing the next Tammy Abraham, but the Ashton Gate outfit have been burnt in the past by top flight loanees preferring moves to bigger clubs.

Strengthening the forward line is a must in January but deciding exactly how to do it and who to sign won't be easy.