Bristol City travel to the Riverside on Saturday still in search of their first victory of the 2021/22 campaign. 

Late equalisers against Blackpool and Forest Green Rovers have ruined what would otherwise have been a solid start to the season, meaning pressure is already starting to build on Nigel Pearson.

Things aren't going to get any easier for the Robins as they face play-off hopefuls Middlesbrough on Teesside tomorrow.

Neil Warnock has a unique relationship with the City fanbase and will no doubt be keen to get one over on them while Pearson will know his side will have to be at their best to stop that happening.

With that in mind, we've outlined the starting XI that we believe he will name for Saturday's game...

Barring a late injury, Dan Bentley looks certain to start between the sticks for City and likely captain the side once again.

There's been nothing to suggest that Pearson will move away from Rob Atkinson and Nathan Baker as his first-choice centre-back duo with the pair likely to have a tough afternoon in-store against a physical and direct Boro side.

Jay Dasilva will likely return to the side at left-back but it would be no surprise to see the City boss opt for the more experienced and conservative Danny Simpson at right-back in place of Zak Vyner.

Simpson's former Leicester City teammates Andy King and Matty James tired toward the end of their debuts in the Blackpool game but were solid and should reprise their roles.

Kasey Palmer impressed after replacing Callum O'Dowda inside the first 10 minutes against the Tangerines and that will likely earn him a starting spot on the left flank with Andi Weimann on the right.

Perhaps the brightest spot in the opening day draw was the performance of 17-year-old Alex Scott, and his reception from the Ashton Gate faithful, and he certainly deserves to start in the number 10 role again.

Up top, Chris Martin will be looking to add to his Championship tally after opening his account against Blackpool.