World News – GB – Bristol City vs Aston Villa preview: How to watch, kick-off time, squad news, lineups planned and those to watch

Bristol City get into great shape, having won their first two league games After sending Exeter City 2-0 in the EFL Cup first round, they beat Northampton 4-0 in the second round of the week last The Robins have won all four of their games this season, conceding just once, and hope to cause an upheaval on Thursday night

Aston Villa returned to the league on Monday night with a 1-0 success against Sheffield United A red card for Blades defender John Egan appeared to have given Villa the advantage but it took a save at the debutant’s penalty of Villa Emi Martinez to prevent Chris Wilder’s men from taking a surprise lead In the second half, a header from Villa Ezri Konsa center-half was enough to give the Birmingham-based side all three points

Pacy leader Nakhi Wells will look to give Villa some trouble in defense, having already scored his first goal of the season in Bristol City’s 2-0 away win at Stoke City

New Villa striker Ollie Watkins will want to add to his strike in the previous round The summer signing found the net close in Villa’s 3-1 success at Burton and could continue his goal scramble if he started thursday evening

Bristol City have a number of players unavailable for selection due to injury Nathan Baker, Niki Maenpaa, Liam Walsh and Joe Williams all remain out long term

For Aston Villa, Bjorn Engels still sidelined with a thigh problem Tom Heaton and Wesley have long-term knee issues Ezri Konsa could also be rested, having potentially struggled in the Sheffield United game

Speaking to the Bristol Post, Dean Holden praised Villa’s quality, but suggested his team were ready to fight:

« They’re a good team, a Premier League side with a great squad They made changes in that opener against Burton, but we can’t really guess which team they’re going to come out

« But then again the focus will be on us The guys who played in the last round against Northampton in particular performed very well and they will have another opportunity »

Aston Villa manager Dean Smith was in high spirits when asked about Konsa’s potential injury ahead of Thursday’s clash:

« I was told If he’d tweaked his hamstrings and played like that, maybe I should go get mine tweaked too! »

To follow the match, head to either club’s website to purchase an “iFollow” match pass Game will start at 7pm BST on Thursday

Bristol City Football Club, Aston Villa FC, Dean Holden, EFL Championship, EFL Cup, Premier League