Bristol City head into their Championship encounter with Stoke City knowing that they realistically require a third successive victory to get back into the playoff picture.

Meanwhile, Stoke make the trip to Ashton Gate aware that a draw may be enough to move them significantly closer to avoiding relegation to League One.

Match preview

On the back of a 5-0 defeat at the hands of Leeds United last week, Michael O'Neill would naturally have had concerns about the mental impact of such a capitulation at the league leaders.

However, aided by facing opponents in Birmingham City who were lacking any kind of belief, Stoke ran out comfortable 2-0 winners at the bet365 Stadium, moving the club four points clear of the drop zone.

With just three matches left, possessing such an advantage over the chasing pack may prove to be enough in the battle to avoid relegation, but O'Neill will stress that they cannot afford any complacency.

A 23rd defeat of the season would negatively impact their goal difference, which is currently marginally better than the teams around them in the standings.

They also face a closing double-header against promotion-chasing Brentford and Nottingham Forest, something which should only strengthen their motivation to get something from this game.

That said, playing Bristol City could prove to be just as difficult after the Robins recorded back-to-back wins for the first time since the beginning of February.

The change in leadership has had its desired effect with interim boss Dean Holden overseeing victories over Hull City and Middlesbrough respectively.

That double success leaves Bristol City just two points adrift of sixth-placed Cardiff City, although remaining as low as 11th position means that they still have to out-perform several of the teams around them during the run-in.

However, with two of their direct rivals - Swansea City and Preston North End - to follow, three more wins could be enough to earn a surprise place in the playoffs.

Bristol City Championship form: LLLLWW

Stoke City Championship form: DLLWLW

Team News

Adam Davies will again deputise between the sticks in place of injured Stoke stopper Jack Butland.

Barring any late fitness issues, O'Neill could opt to select the same starting lineup.

Meanwhile, Bristol City remain without former Potters defender Ashley Williams, who continues to serve a suspension.

Korey Smith and Han-Noah Massengo are competing for one place in the centre of midfield.

Bristol City possible starting lineup:
Bentley; Kalas, Benkovic, Baker; Hunt, Massengo, Paterson, Dasilva; Weimann; Wells, Diedhiou

Stoke City possible starting lineup:
Davies; Smith, Chester, Batth, Martins Indi; Cousins, Clucas, Powell; Campbell, Vokes, McClean

We say: Bristol City 2-1 Stoke City

With Stoke having returned to winning ways at the weekend, this contest could be closer than many would have initially anticipated. However, the home side have the greater momentum, and we feel that it could prove pivotal on Wednesday.