Bristol City are flying at the moment in the Championship, and will be looking to continue their momentum into the EFL cup against Premier League opposition Hull City.
The Robins have had a slight hiccup with losses against Cardiff City and QPR recently, but got their promotion push back on track, with a 1-0 victory over Blackburn Rovers at the weekend.
However, the Tigers have had a woeful few weeks – losing their last five consecutive Premier League games and leaking 19 goals within that period.
The Robins have had a fairly easy route to the fourth round of the competition, but under the lights of a packed-out Ashton Gate and competing against Premier League opposition, they will be confident of sealing a win against a frail Hull side on Tuesday night.
Football League World Writer, Ashley Williams identifies the Bristol City XI that will beat Hull City on Tuesday evening…
GK - Frank Fielding
He has been back in the starting line-up recently after having to play second fiddle to Richard O'Donnell for most of this year, due to needing surgery on his injured ankle ligaments.
He is a consistent goalkeeper and the Robins supporters will be glad to see him back in the squad.
He has been impressive since returning to the squad and he is expected to keep his place for the EFL game tonight.
LB – Scott Golbourne
Golbourne could be Bristol’s weak link tonight that Hull City may look to exploit on Tuesday evening.
He started in Bristol’s last game against Blackburn at the weekend, and played fairly well to keep up competition for the first choice spot at left back.
Golbourne will be determined to prove that he can play comfortably against good opposition.
CB – Aden Flint
Hull have some talented attacking prospects in their side, and Flint will need to organise his back-four to make sure they keep the likes of Abel Hernandez and Robert Snodgrass quiet.
The Robins made the right decision to keep Flint at the club in the summer amid strong Premier League interest, and he has once again proved to be a valued member of the squad.
CB – Hordur Magnusson
What a signing Magnusson has been for Bristol City this season after being brought in from Serie A giants Juventus in the summer.
He has instantly gelled with his centre back partner Aden Flint.
He is confident on the ball and is a no nonsense defender, but he is expected to be tested tonight against Premier League opposition.
RB – Adam Matthews
The Welsh left back has started in Bristol City’s last couple of games and although Johnson is a big admirer of the former Sunderland right back, he also feels he needs to improve in order to keep his place in the side.
Matthews is expected to keep his place as he has a vast amount of experience that could prove vital against Hull City.
RW – Korey Smith
Smith is expected to start ahead of Bobby Reid after he is set to undergo a fitness test ahead of the game, but Lee Johnson is unlikely to field him as he will not want to risk further injury.
Smith is an important player for the Robins and is more than capable of deputising against a tough opposition.
CM – Marlon Pack
Pack sat out the last game against Blackburn Rovers, but is expected to come back into the squad, due to his composed and excellent range of passing that could cause problems against Hull City.
CM – Gary O’Neil
O’Neil’s experience will be key and he will be looking to break down the likes of Snodgrass, who has undoubtedly been the Tigers best player so far.
LW – Joe Bryan
Bryan will be looking to make Hull’s defence uncomfortable by using his rapid pace down the left hand side to get at the Tigers’ full backs.
Hull have conceded a lot of goals recently and Bryan will be confident that he can cause them problems.
CAM – Lee Tomlin
Since Tomlin has been introduced back into the side following his suspension, he has proved what a big player he is for the Robins.
Tomlin has contributed two goals so far this season, and also has two assists. Tomlin has worked well with playing just behind Abraham, and if the pair are on their game, Hull City should be worried.
ST – Tammy Abraham
The man on loan from Chelsea is proving that he is human after all after going through a quiet phase in his Robins career.
Although the striker has netted eleven goals so far, he has failed to net in his last three games.
Bristol City manager Lee Johnson will be determined to see Abraham break his goal drought and prove he can compete against Premier League opposition.
Bristol City fans.. Is this the side that will start against Hull City? Can you take advantage of their poor string of results? Let us know in your thoughts and opinions below!