Play-off pushing Bristol City host relegation-threatened Preston North End in a crucial matchday on the final day of the 2024/25 Championship season on Saturday.
EFL Championship
Our Three Predictions for Bristol City vs Preston North End
- First Prediction: Bristol City to win – 33/50
- Second Prediction: Over 1.5 goals to be scored – 3/10
- Third Prediction: Nahki Wells to score at any time – 41/20
First Prediction for Bristol City vs Preston North End – Bristol City to win – 33/50
Even though this is a game both sides will want to win, Bristol City’s quality, especially at Ashton Gate, may be too much for struggling Preston to handle, especially as North End haven’t won a game in over a month. With teams around them consistently winning, they’ve been dragged into a final-day relegation battle even though Paul Heckingbottom’s side have sat mainly mid-table all season. However, four consecutive defeats and no win since the 15th of March mean the side could mathematically be relegated depending on other results. Fifth-placed Bristol City are the complete opposite and need to win to secure their play-off spot. They have lost their last two games, but have been clinical at home this season, posing the fourth-best home form in the division, only losing three games. The Lilywhites, on the other hand, have the 20th worst away record, only winning three times on the road in the second tier this season. With what is riding on this game for both sides, it will be an interesting one, however, all the stats point to a Bristol City win.
Second Prediction for Bristol City vs Preston North End – Over 1.5 goals to be scored – 3/10
Although neither side have the best goal-scoring records in the division, they also don’t have the greatest defensive records. On average, the visitors concede more goals than they score per game, scoring 1.02 goals on average, yet conceding 1.27 goals per game. Despite the 15-place gap between the sides, the hosts’ records aren’t much better, scoring 1.27 goals on average and conceding 1.18. Liam Manning’s side has the worst goal-scoring and defensive record in the top five, however, they have been involved in 20 games which have seen three goals or more, with Preston being involved in the same number. With both sides having average goal-scoring and defensive records, alongside the pressure riding on this game, it wouldn’t be surprising to see a low amount of goals, however, this amount will still surely be over 1.5.
Third Prediction for Bristol City vs Preston North End – Nahki Wells to score at any time – 41/20
City’s Bermudan striker, Nahki Wells, is the second-highest club goal scorer this season, with 10 goals in the Championship this campaign. He is two behind Albanian Anis Mehmeti, but is on track to equal his best campaign goal-scoring-wise at Ashton Gate. Wells has three goals in his last 10 games, all of which have come at home. The 34-year-old brings vital experience into games such as this one, and will be looking to further add to his tally in a crucial game at lunchtime on Saturday
Best Odds for Bristol City vs Preston North End
| Bristol City | Draw | Preston North End | |
| Myriadplay | 33/50 | 5/2 | 17/5 |
| Gentleman Jim | 3/4 | 13/5 | 7/2 |
| Betarno | 3/4 | 5/2 | 10/3 |
Full Preview of the Game – Last Results and Head-To-Head
As mentioned above, the Robins come into this game on decent form, but have lost their last two consecutive games after winning twice and drawing once, whilst the visitors haven’t won since mid-March.
Three points could prove crucial for either side. Depending on other results around the grounds, Bristol City would secure play-off football, whilst Preston would secure survival after being dragged into the relegation dog-fight. A point for either side may not be enough, but it all depends on the other side’s results.
With both of these sides being staple Championship sides, since 2010, both sides have faced each other a whopping 25 times in all competitions, many of which have been played in the second tier. Interestingly, Preston have taken the majority of these ties, winning 10 times, with the hosts only winning four times. The other 10 games have ended in draws. When these sides met earlier this season, Bristol City won 3-1 at Deepdale thanks to goals from Yu Hirakawa, Nakhi Wells and Max Bird.
Confrontation
Where to watch Bristol City vs Preston North End
Where can I watch this match, either on TV or in person?
- Location: Ashton Gate, Bristol
- Date: Saturday May 3, 2025
- TV Channel: Sky Sports +
Probable Lineups for Bristol City vs Preston North End
What sort of lineups can we expect for this Championship clash?
Predicted Bristol City Lineup:
- Lineup: M. O’Leary; Z. Vyner, R. Dickie, H. Roberts; R. McCrorie, J. Knight, M. Bird, G. Tanner; G. Earthy, A. Mehmeti, N. Wells
- Injured/suspended: A. Benarous, C. Pring, L. McNally, M. Sykes
- Manager: Liam Manning
Predicted Preston North End Lineup:
- Lineup: D. Cornell; J. Storey, L. Lindsay, L. Gibson; B. Whiteman, K. Kesler-Hayden, S. Thordarson, R. Ledson, R. Brady; C. Evans, E. Riis
- Injured/suspended: W. Keane, M. Frøkjær-Jensen, J. Whatmough, F. Woodman, B. Potts, A. McCann
- Manager: Paul Heckingbottom
Media Centre – News about Bristol City vs Preston North End
ℹ️ #BristolCity supporters sat in the Atyeo Stand on Saturday must enter via the Ashton Road/Dolman entrance – between the houses.
— Bristol City FC (@BristolCity) May 1, 2025
Entry via the Guinness Bar end of the stadium is reserved for away supporters.
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There will be no option to pay on the day this weekend. ⚠️
— Preston North End FC (@pnefc) May 1, 2025
Buy online before 2pm on Friday or from the ticket office before 5pm. 🎟️#pnefc
