Our prediction for this Championship match:
Buoyed by a hard-fought 1-0 win over Millwall, Bristol City will look to give fans yet another reason to celebrate when they take on Birmingham City on Matchday 3. The start of the season has seen the Robins putting on excellent displays and, as a result, the bookies see them as favourites to win Saturday’s clash. Barring any fresh injury worries, head coach Nigel Pearson is unlikely to make changes to the team that defeated the Lions.
The Blues, on the other hand, did well to beat promotion hopefuls Leeds United thanks to Lukas Jutkiewicz’s goal. That goal should help the experienced striker earn a spot in the starting XI, but Birmingham City face a tough challenge at Ashton Gate Stadium. Bristol City are a real force to be reckoned with at home and given their fine start to the season, home win should definitely be considered.
Highlighted Player (John Ruddy):
John Ruddy is a goalkeeper who was born in St Ives, England on 24 October, 1986. He played for a number of English clubs in the past and he started his senior career at Cambridge United. After making 39 appearances for Cambridge, he signed a deal with Everton for a fee of £250,000.
However, he failed to establish himself as the team’s first-choice shoot-stopper and as a result, he spent a bit part of his career on loan at Walsall, Rushden and Diamonds, Chester City, Stockport County, Wrexham, Bristol City, Crewe Alexandra and Motherwell. In 2010 he made a right decision when he signed for Norwich city for an undisclosed fee as he was immediately given the number 1 shirt. Two years later he received his first England call-up as Roy Hodgson decided to bring him to Euro 2012 finals.
However, Ruddy was forced to withdraw from the squad through injury. John Ruddy is married to Laura and his nickname is “The Iceman”. He was named Norwich City Players’ Player of the Year for the 2011/2012 season.
Highlighted Team (Bristol City):
Bristol City are one of the two famous clubs from the city of Bristol. Formed in 1894 the Robins mostly participated in English lower leagues and they have never played in the Premier League. Bristol City’s bitterest rivals are Bristol Rovers and it has to be noted that two teams first met in 1897. Bristol City have outplayed their local rivals on 43 occasions in the Bristol Derby.
Cardiff City are regarded as Bristol City’s bitter rivals as well. The Robins play their home games at Ashton Gate, the stadium that was opened in 1887. Bristol City were semi-finalists of the League Cup two times (1970/1971, 1988/1989), with the team making it to the FA Cup final in 1909.
The Robins faced Manchester United in the title game, but they failed to upset the English giants in the Crystal Palace clash. It is well known that Bristol City footballers wear red shirts and blue shorts.