This Week's Opposition: Bristol City

Pompey's final test of 2024 put under the microscope by Pompey Live and The Football Hour host Jake Smith.

A controversy-filled defeat at Watford on Boxing Day has set Pompey back a little but they’ll be hoping to provide an immediate reaction when they hit the road again to take on a Bristol City side they’ve already beaten this season.

MANAGER

The Robins are managed by former MK and Oxford United boss Liam Manning.

Manning was appointed to take over last November, succeeding Nigel Pearson in the dugout at Ashton Gate - He’d only arrived at Oxford less than 8 months prior.

The 39-year-old has won 19, drawn 20 and lost 20 of his 59 competitive games in charge of Bristol City.

ONE TO WATCH

Midfielder Scott Twine, who emerged on to the EFL scene with MK before making a big move to Burnley in 2022, is one to keep an eye on this weekend.

Twine signed for The Robins on a permanent deal from Burnley this summer after a successful loan spell at the back-end of last season.

The 25-year-old didn’t feature in the reverse fixture at Fratton Park but has since returned from injury, scoring twice in 3 appearances.

TOP SCORER

With 6 league goals to his name at this stage of the season, former Wycombe Wanderers striker Anis Mehmeti is The Robins’ leading scorer.

The 23-year-old, who hails from Albania, has however gone 5 games without getting his name on the scoresheet, last finding the back of the net with a brace in a 4-0 win over Plymouth Argyle at Ashton Gate on the 30th of November, the game before Liam Manning’s side came to Fratton Park and lost 3-0.

CURRENT FORM

Bristol City sit 11th in the Championship table with 30 points from 23 games, the halfway stage of their season.

Liam Manning’s side have picked up just 1 win from their last 5 games since being beaten by Pompey at Fratton Park on December 7th - That win came in their most recent fixture on Boxing Day, beating Luton Town 1-0 at Ashton Gate.

Can the Blues get back to winning ways and end 2024 on a high?

Be sure to tune in to Express FM from 2 O'Clock on Sunday (December 29th) afternoon to hear full coverage of Bristol City vs Portsmouth in the Championship - Jake Smith will be presenting Pompey Live alongside Pepe Lacey and James Wilson in the press box at Ashton Gate.

Kick-off: 3pm!