Bristol City started the 2016/17 campaign in style, and Lee Johnson’s side looked like they might surprise many and challenge for a place in the Sky Bet Championship Play-Offs.
The Robins suffered a dip in form, winning just once in 13 league games, in a spell stretching from the start of November to the beginning of this month.
The run of atrocious form has seen Johnson’s side slip from Play-Off contenders to a relegation fight, with Bristol City 20th in the Championship table and just three-points above the bottom three.
Bristol have been reliant on the 19-league goals on-loan Chelsea forward, Tammy Abraham has scored them. But with 19-year old picking up a thigh injury in Tuesday night’s defeat to Leeds United, Johnson’s side could be in for a struggle.
Four points from their last three games, including victory over Rotherham United and a draw at the Pride Park Stadium against Derby County has lifted spirits at Ashton Gate, showing the club has more than enough to survive in the Championship.
Here we look at TWO players who need to impress for the Robins between now and the end of the season…
Matty Taylor
Taylor made a controversial move across Bristol during the January transfer window, leaving Bristol Rovers for City on transfer deadline-day.
The striker has already shown his goal scoring ability, netting the opener in Saturday’s thrilling draw with Derby.
The 26-year old had come to the attention of many Football League clubs, with his 19-goals during the first-half of the season for Rovers in League One.
Abraham has scored almost half of the Robins’ goals this season and with the on-loan Chelsea star recently picking up an injury, Taylor will need to step up.
Taylor must impress between now and the end of the season, as Johnson’s side could be reliant on his goals to keep them in the division.
David Cotterill
The experienced Championship midfielder returned to Bristol City during the January transfer window, from rivals Birmingham City.
Cotterill started his career with the Robins and has since made over 250 appearances in the Football League.
Since his return to the club, Cotterill has made three appearances, which have coincided with the club’s recent improved performances.
The midfielder must continue to use his Championship nous between now and the end of the season, in a bid to stop the Robins slipping deeper into a relegation battle.