'Surprise package' is one of the great football clichés along with 'sleeping giant' (Queen's Park Rangers), but it certainly applies to Bristol City. In a sense we shouldn't be surprised as Bristol is one of the country's larger cities with a prosperous hinterland and should be able to support a Premiership club. Of course, it has a strong rugby tradition and there is Bristol Rovers but they are definitely the No.2 club. Should the World Cup to England in 2018 the FA is planning to build a super stadium there.
Much of the pre-match commentary seems to focus on the manager's pledge to bare his bottom in Burton's shop window, but the club are clearly no comedy turn. Charlton will be weakened by the absence of Semedo and most people seem to think that Racon will be given a chance in his place.
Bristol City's supporters have a bit of a reputation, perhaps it's like that with port cities, recalling how tense things were after the game at St.Mary's on Saturday.
Gary Nelson in his book recalls a somewhat tense meeting with Bristol City supporters on the platform at Charlton station after a game (that's how journeymen footballers travelled).
I'll be in a hotel in London at a meeting starting at 8 p.m. so I won't be able to listen on 5 Live Extra. I would like to say a confident Charlton will get a point from the game, but I think that the home side must be the favourites and I am forecasting a 2-1 win. Let's hope I'm wrong.
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