Bristol City will be looking to put last weekend's disappointing defeat at home to Stoke City behind them as they get back to Championship action on Boxing Day.

However, it looks set to be a tough test for Nigel Pearson's side as they prepare to host a somewhat in-form West Bromwich Albion at Ashton Gate.

Indeed, last weekend's defeat to Coventry was a recent blip for the Baggies, who had won five straight league matches prior to that result.

Nevertheless, with 16th place in the division taking on 18th, it should be somewhat of a competitive clash.

Perhaps that is why Sky Sports EFL pundit and columnist David Prutton can't separate the two sides ahead of the weekend, predicting a 2-2 draw.

In his latest Sky Sports column, Prutton wrote: "It’s a tough one this for Bristol City.

 

 

"In truth, it’s been a tricky stop-start season, with the way they took the lead against Stoke before falling to defeat summing them up perfectly.

"West Brom’s run came to an end in midweek at Coventry, but that shows just how tough this league can be.

"There should be goals here, but I’ll go for a draw."

Bristol City v West Brom is scheduled for a 3PM kick-off on Boxing Day.

The Verdict

This looks set to be an intriguing clash at Ashton Gate on Boxing Day.

Bristol City could really do with avoiding a back to back defeat at home in front of their own fans, but West Brom will prove tricky visitors.

At the same time, will West Brom be able to show last weekend's defeat to Coventry was just a blip, or was their recent form not really a sign of what's to come from them?

Prutton's prediction of a draw could be a sensible choice here.