At a Glance
Aston Villa roll into Ashton Gate on Thursday night to take on Bristol City in Round Three of the Carabao Cup.
Boosted by a victory in their Premier League opener against Sheffield United on Monday, Dean Smith’s men will be looking to continue their cup run against the Robins.
Goals from Ollie Watkins, Jack Grealish and Keinan Davis saw off Burton Albion in Round Two as Villa made it six wins from their last eight games in this competition.
Opponents Bristol City have made a great start to the season, winning their opening four games.
Victories against Stoke City and Coventry City have taken them to second in the Championship table while they’ve comfortably dispatched Exeter City and Northampton Town in the Carabao Cup.
Young forward Antoine Semenyo has been the Robins’ main creative threat so far this season, netting twice and assisting three times.
The Last Meeting
Aston Villa were in the midst of a club record ten-game winning streak the last time these two teams met in a competitive fixture, back in April 2019.
All the action came in the second half as Tammy Abraham netted a penalty to hand Villa the initiative before Conor Hourihane doubled the lead.
Famara Diédhiou pulled one back to ensure a nervy final 15 minutes as Dean Smith’s side helped to cement their place in the Championship play-off spots.
Head-to-Head
Aston Villa and Bristol City have met each other on 44 occasions, dating back to an FA Cup tie in 1900.
The Villans have emerged triumphant on 22 occasions, drawing 12 and losing ten times to the Robins.
Team News
Ezri Konsa appeared to pick up an injury as he warmed up for the second half of Monday’s game against Sheffield United before continuing to play the remainder of the match. The centre-back may be rested as Dean Smith considers freshening up his team for the Carabao Cup.
Bjorn Engels (thigh), Wesley and Tom Heaton all missed the Blades game.
Bristol City have a number of players sidelined. Tomas Kalas (shoulder), Callum O'Dowda (groin), Liam Walsh, Joe Williams, Jay Dasilva (shin) and Joe Morrell (calf) all missed their last match.
