With Christmas on the horizon, Bristol City are looking to head into the festive period on a high after a difficult few weeks in and around Ashton Gate.

Having impressed against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light, the Robins would have been good value for all three points against QPR last weekend. Unfortunately, one error came back to bite them as they had to settle for a 1-1 draw.

There is a feeling of frustration around both the fanbase and Liam Manning heading into this weekend's clash with West Brom. The Baggies are also stuck in a similar rut having struggled to convert good performances into wins in recent weeks. Sound familiar?

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Manning will be boosted by the return of George Tanner who has been in full training this week but will have to make do without Sinclair Armstrong with the forward set to be ruled out for a couple of weeks with a hamstring injury.

Although Manning will be aware of the busy schedule ahead of his side, he will be reluctant to change too much given the dominance his side showed for much of the game last weekend.

Here's how we think the Reds will line up at The Hawthorns this afternoon...

Goalkeeper and defence

While some fans will want to see Stefan Bajic handed a first Championship start after Max O'Leary's error against QPR that is very unlikely to happen. Manning has stood by his number one since he took over at Ashton Gate and one error, no matter how bad, is unlikely to change that.

Ahead of him, the centre-back partnership of Luke McNally and Rob Dickie basically picks itself at this moment in time. Although Marti Cifuentes' side were ineffective going forward last time out, City's centre-backs ensured that on the rare occasions they did attack, they were kept at arm's length.

At left-back, it would be a surprise to see anyone other than Cam Pring start. The academy graduate has been in fine form since returning from injury and while Haydon Roberts is waiting in the wings for his chance, he hasn't shown enough in his recent substitute appearances to suggest he deserves to be restored to the starting line-up.

On the other side of the back four, however, Manning faces something of a dilemma. Both Ross McCrorie and Tanner are once again available having recovered from injury and either player would be a natural fit at right-back. However, Zak Vyner has been solid in that role during their absence and it would be harsh if he were dropped at The Hawthorns. Our bet is the 27-year-old will keep his place and McCrorie and Tanner will have to settle for a place on the bench.

Midfield

With Joe Williams still a few weeks away from making his return from injury, Manning isn't exactly spoilt for choice in the middle of the park currently. That doesn't mean that the Bristol City boss has a straightforward decision to make, however.

We think the 39-year-old will stick with the same defensive midfield pairing that served him so well against QPR, with Max Bird the man to partner Jason Knight. The former Derby County pair looked solid out of possession last weekend and both got involved in the final third so deserve to keep their places.

That will leave Marcus McGuane to take his place on the bench. There is every chance the ex-Oxford United man could be given the nod ahead of Bird, especially if Manning decides his side needs a bit more defensive steel. However, West Brom's defensive qualities mean that Bird's ability in possession could be crucial to getting a result.

Attack and striker

While the Robins aren't spoilt for choice at the top end of the pitch, Manning's options in attacking midfield are looking better and better with each passing week as more players make their way back from injury.

One man who will almost certainly continue against the Baggies this afternoon is Anis Mehmeti. The Albanian international has been one of the Reds' best players this season and while he still believes he has more to offer in the coming weeks and months, he is one of the first names on the City teamsheet.

In the other number 10 position there are plenty of players who are currently vying for a start but our bet is that Scott Twine will be given the nod. The attacking midfielder returned to the matchday squad with a bang against QPR as he curled home an excellent free-kick with his first touch to give the Robins a short-lived lead over Cifuentes' side.

Manning admitted that the former Burnley man was continuing to build up his fitness in the lead-up to this afternoon's game. When Twine is fully fit, he tends to be a regular starter and we think that will be the case at The Hawthorns this weekend.

On the right flank, you could make a case for all of George Earthy, Sam Bell or Yu Hirakawa starting. Bell impressed in the second half against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light and would offer a bit of genuine pace out wide. Earthy was bright against QPR last time out and has previously shown he is more than willing to get stuck in out of possession.

However, our bet is that it will be Hirakawa who starts on that side. The Japanese winger has started all of City's last five matches and while he hasn't been at his absolute best, his pace and trickery offer an outlet out wide and a different option to both Twine and Mehemti.

Up front, the expectation is that Nahki Wells will once again lead the line, especially with Armstrong set for a spell on the sidelines. The 34-year-old will be keen to end a run of six matches without a goal and add to his five for the season.

Of course, Manning could surprise us all and start Fally Mayulu instead but the indication so far is that the Frenchman will have to do a bit more before forcing his way into the team on a consistent basis.

Bristol City XI (4-2-3-1): Max O'Leary; Cam Pring, Luke McNally, Rob Dickie, Zak Vyner; Jason Knight, Max Bird, Anis Mehmeti, Scott Twine, Yu Hirakawa; Nahki Wells

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