Bristol City vs Norwich predicted line-ups: Dickie to return as Norwich weigh midfield changes

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Our Bristol City vs Norwich predicted line-ups include a return for Rob Dickie and an unchanged visiting XI as Philippe Clement considers whether to stick with the team that beat Derby 4-0.

Dickie is available again for Bristol City, while Norwich midfielders Kenny McLean and Pelle Mattsson have returned to training. Those fitness boosts give both managers decisions to make before Saturday’s 12.30pm Championship kick-off at Ashton Gate.

These are Dave.Sport’s predicted starting teams, not confirmed line-ups.

Bristol City predicted XI against Norwich

Predicted formation: 4-2-3-1.

Bristol City: Collins; Tanner, Dickie, Eissat, Pring; Williams, Knight; Cardines, Twine, Bell; Tolaj.

Our selection brings Dickie into central defence in place of Luke McNally. Michael Skubala has confirmed that Dickie is available after his knee injury, while McNally’s workload is under consideration following his long-term absence.

That is a predicted change rather than a confirmed decision. Skubala has stressed that McNally has not suffered a fresh injury, and Dickie’s availability does not automatically mean he will start.

The remainder of our XI follows the side listed in Sky Sports’ team sheet for the Wolves match. Scott Twine takes the central attacking role, with Rio Cardines and Sam Bell supporting Lorent Tolaj.

Will Adebayo start, and could Tickle return?

Elijah Adebayo is available after a quad strain, but is unlikely to play a full 90 minutes. We have therefore selected Tolaj to start, with Adebayo providing an alternative.

Tolaj is expected to feature despite not being fully fit, according to Friday’s BBC Sport injury update. His condition leaves the centre-forward position open to a late decision.

Goalkeeper is another selection question. Brad Collins has started the past three matches, but Sam Tickle remains an option. We have retained Collins in our prediction rather than assuming Skubala will make a change after the Wolves defeat.

Norwich predicted XI against Bristol City

Predicted formation: 4-2-3-1.

Norwich: Grimshaw; Stacey, McConville, Darling, Yongwa; Field, Wright; Brooks, Maghoma, Musaba; Kvistgaarden.

We are predicting that Clement retains the team named in Norwich’s official report of their 4-0 win at Derby.

That would leave Sam Field and Jacob Wright together in midfield, with Paris Maghoma supporting Mathias Kvistgaarden. Anthony Musaba and Andre Brooks complete the attacking midfield three.

Could McLean and Mattsson change Norwich’s line-up?

McLean and Mattsson will travel after returning to training, but Clement has only confirmed their availability for some minutes. He will decide on their starting prospects on Saturday, according to Hayters’ report on Norwich’s returning midfielders.

Analysis: Keeping Field and Wright in the starting team would allow Clement to manage the returning pair’s minutes. That is the basis of our prediction, rather than an indication that either McLean or Mattsson has been ruled out of starting.

Ante Crnac is also building his fitness after returning to action, giving Norwich another attacking option.

When are the Bristol City vs Norwich line-ups confirmed?

The official starting teams will be announced before kick-off on Saturday 7 November. Until then, selections and formations remain predictions.

The match starts at 12.30pm GMT at Ashton Gate. Our Bristol City vs Norwich TV and streaming guide explains how to follow it, with more team news in our Championship coverage.

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