samo II

I don't care if Freeman never scores if he can increase his number of assists. And that combo with Flint is a fruitful one for both of them.

Flint! You beauty! #COYR!

So what you're telling us, Nog, is that Wes has... scored?

Kergamount may not have signed for us, but still helping us with that goal at Charlton. Albert doing us a favour at Fulham too; closer they stay to us in the bottom half of the table the better.

Even at full strength a draw today would be an excellent result, and any team we pick without Smith is not full strength. The return of Baker is a plus at least; even a dull nil nil would be positive for our survival.

Only positive has been that Smith has been spending more time goof forwards than back during our strong performances recently. Major downside is that in terms of physical and defensive presence, Reid is certainty not a like-for-like replacement. That said; Baker and Little back means we have the best defensive unit we've fielded this season back together - let us hope we can either nick one and hold on, or turn form on it's head and out score them in a multi goal thriller!

#BristolCity v Nott'm Forest: O'Donnell, Little, Flint, Baker, Golbourne, Pack, Reid, Tomlin, Bryan, Freeman, Kodjia. I doubt it, but no Smith is terrifying.

He had a miss so bad it was deemed worthy of including in the match highlights last week, and they've lost two of the last three he started, drawing the other (and losing last week when he came on as a sub). One win in eight (and that was the first of that run of eight), and only scored eight goals in nine since Afobe left; will be interesting to see how they go against Derby today, as have really gone off the boil.

Hard to disagree with much of that; even had a quick rewatch to remind myself, and the fact that Vyner wasn't helped by his more experienced colleagues is pretty clear on goals one and three. I am concerned about Pearce; at Leeds when he came on, he lacked the organisational skill and foresight of Baker, which contributed to them getting their goal. I still believe that not only does Baker improve Flint, but his reading of the game in a back four also gives his full back (Golbourne) the confidence to be more decisive, and also push forward to. Big miss if Baker is out today for me; without him, I think we'll lose, while with him I think we could grab a point.

As results stand we stay 8 points from the drop zone, with MK Dons unable to jump above us despite playing most of a half against ten men. If things stay as they are, yes; goal difference taking a bad hit is not good, but nothing has really changed - really was a 'free' game. Also; looks like Forest may head into our game having lost two on the bounce - if we can get a reaction to tonight, may be a good time to play them. Terrible result, but maybe not a bad night over all.

True, though Rothetham have longer to play. Plus; they might slim the gap if they get something, but Bolton & Charlton stay a full 9 points behind, and nothing has suggested they can manage that sort of swing. I'm grateful we go three wins on the trot to pull us out, as tonight's really withstanding; I really think there are three worse teams in this league.

Would be nice to score a consolation at least.

Game over; sounds like our right back postion is cursed tonight. That said... Other results aren't that bad. MK winning is a pain, but really much of a muchness; then being level on points with us again makes no difference. Bolton, Rotherham and Charlton all losing is more important; one less game to play and still being 8 points clear despite bad loss is positive, not negative. Taking a beating like this is bad, but as is said; I'd rather lose one match 4-0 after three narrow wins than have four draws right now. Time to go back to the drawing board and get a reaction at Forest.

Leave Kodjia on and let him go for a confidence boosting hat-trick... Or pull him of and save him for Tuesday? Dilemma.

With the second goal we now have as good or better goal difference compared to all three teams below us; another positive from today.

YES! Jimmy (got it right this time...) coming good in a vital, vital game for us. Who needs a new striker? Brilliant to have a level goal difference AND three points on MK now too. COYR!

Charlton's goal difference is so bad; those back to back hammerings they got mid-Jan are like a extra -1 point.

Agreed, though I'm cautious about being 'greedy' like that. Charlton's goal difference is like a -1 point compared to us, so them gaining a point, only to pull Fulham below us is no bad thing. Plus; their home for since the turn of the year is rubbish, so a draw against Charlton would continue that, and leave them with Boro and Burnley to visit prior to us, which I think would be a positive for us.

You're likely right; would love to see us get another goal and level the goal difference with us and MK too. Just nervous about how important this could be if we were to win...

Sorry, Robbo; I got over excited.

Really delighted for Kodjia; has been off form, and probably beyond when he'd have got dropped for me, but to get such a key goal, and from open play too (!!!) will do him and the team wonders! Hope we've got a bus in that dressing room, as need to wheel it out and park it next 45...

NICE ONE, JONNY! ESSENTIAL!

Come on City; could give our hopes of staying up a massive shot in the arm today.

Kodjia pretty much guaranteeing an early substitution for him next half thanks to that booking. Would certainly be interested to see Agard get a shot in this formation for a good 30 mins to see how he does.

Good luck to young Vyner; big game to make your début, but encouraging we've seen fit to give him a go, even over perhaps more experienced options who could play there, even if a little out of position, like Wagstaff. Hope he plays a blinder! COYR