Bristol City v Swindon preview

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Karleigh Osborne could return to the Bristol City squad when they tackle Swindon.

City recalled the defender from his loan spell at Colchester after an injury to Mark Little to boost their squad and he is likely to be involved in the 18 for the televised clash.

Little’s shoulder injury, suffered in the draw with Oldham, could have ended his season and the wing-back’s absence is a big blow to Steve Cotterill’s preparations.

James Tavernier and Scott Wagstaff look set to compete for the right wing-back position in his absence.

Swindon will be without captain Nathan Thompson as they look to secure a derby victory.

The Robins skipper picked up his 10th booking of the campaign in Saturday’s 3-0 loss to MK Dons and will now serve the first of his two-game suspension at Ashton Gate on Tuesday evening.

Mark Cooper is already without the younger Thompson, Louis, who has been loaned back to the County Ground from Norwich, but looks set to miss the rest of the campaign with a shoulder injury.

And Cooper will be sweating over the fitness of Ben Gladwin who is a serious doubt with tight hamstrings and could miss out.

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Bristol City v Swindon preview

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Bristol City will be without Adam El-Abd when they host local rivals Swindo

The defender saw red in the 2-1 victory over Peterborough on Tuesday evening and the Robins decided not to appeal the decision and he will now serve an automatic three-match ban, starting with the derby against Mark Cooper’s men.

One player who will start is goalkeeper Frank Fielding, who put in a memorable man-of-the-match display, and with Cardiff loanee Simon Moore sidelined with a groin injury the former Derby shot-stopper will be given another chance to impress.

Sam Baldock also looks certain to start having edged his way to the top of the League One goalscoring charts with a double against Posh.

Swindon look set to recall defender Troy Archibald-Henville for the local derby with Bristol City.

The former Exeter centre-back was rested for Tuesday’s 4-1 defeat by Wolves but he looks likely to step back into the starting line-up for Raphael Branco.

Left-back Jay McEveley returned to the starting line-up despite his on-going knee problem but he may not be able to face two games in five days. Nathan Byrne’s hamstring will be assessed in the build up to kick-off and Wes Foderingham could return to goal after a spell sidelined through injury.

And full-back Nathan Thompson could make a shock return to action. He strained his groin during last weekend’s loss and looked set to be sidelined for a month but now looks likely to be available.

Bristol City v Swindon preview

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City manager Keith Millen expects to make a few changes for the re-arranged visit of Swindon.

Some changes will be enforced, with several unnamed players nursing knocks following the goalless home draw against Portsmouth on Saturday. However, defensive trio Louis Carey (illness), Liam Fontaine and Damion Stewart (both ankle) returned to training on Monday following their recent absences.

“I have a few knocks in the squad and a few missing on the training ground,” Millen told the club’s official website. “We have to play Wednesday-Saturday again this week so we have to be aware of that when selecting the teams to play in each game.

“There will be a few forced changes but I have a strong squad and I am more than confident I will have the strongest possible line-up out there to give Swindon a challenge.”

Former England goalkeeper David James, midfielders Martyn Woolford and Kalifa Cisse and strikers Ryan Taylor and Brett Pitman were all substitutes at the weekend and are options for Millen.

The tie was postponed earlier this month following rioting in Bristol.

Swindon boss Paolo Di Canio is set to make changes.

Striker Alan Connell should make his first start for the club, while goalkeeper Mattia Lanzano, a substitute in Sunday’s home defeat to Oxford, may also play.

New arrival Lukas Magera penned a two-year deal at the club on Monday and could make his debut providing his international clearance arrives in time.

Striker Mehdi Kerrouche was substituted on Sunday after receiving a knock on the hip. He has received treatment this week but is rated as doubtful.

Centre-back Alberto Comazzi will again be missing because of a hamstring injury, as will Alessandro Cibocchi, who remains sidelined with an ankle problem.