Bristol City v Wolverhampton Wanderers Betting Preview: Latest odds, team news, tips and predictions

Saturday’s teatime kick-off sees a thrilling end to the year as Bristol City host leaders Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The pair drew 3-3 back in September when a late Danny Batth header rescued Wolves a point, and the centre-back could start for the first time since October as Willy Boly is a fitness concern for the visitors, while the Robins may also re-jig their defence following Nathan Baker's injury.

Match odds

The Wanderers, who begin the contest eight points ahead of their south-west hosts, are understandably 29/20 (2.45) favourites with Betfair Sportsbook for an 18th win of the campaign.

Getty Images

Bristol City, who have scored two or more in 10 of their last 13, are 2/1 (3.0) for a seventh victory in eight - a run which includes their 2-1 EFL cup triumph over Manchester United.

With both teams potentially missing key men, we could see a cagey affair, in which case another draw at 23/10 (3.3) seems plausible.

The case for unders

Bristol City, who could be without attacking maestro Jamie Paterson due to injury, have seen under 2.5 goals in their last two games and a repeat is 8/11 (1.73).

The visitors, 5/2 (3.5) for under 0.5 goals, have netted just five in five December games and each of those has come from a different player.

Players to watch

One of those men is Romain Saiss, who netted in Boxing Day’s 2-2 draw at Millwall; at 10/1 (11.0), he is considered the joint-12th most likely visiting player to score anytime, yet has had the fifth-most shots per game (1.2) and only three players have scored more league goals than his three.

Joe Bryan has played on the left-wing, rather than at left-back, in five of his last six starts and given that the 24-year-old has scored three goals in that period, the 6/1 (7.0) on him scoring anytime appeals.

Tips and Predictions

Our best bet, though, is the draw and Under 2.5 goals at 11/4 (3.75) because while both teams are capable going forward, they may be more conservative than usual.

Wolves are already in a comfortable position and might be content with a point from a tricky away trip, while a share of the spoils with the league leaders could be deemed a positive evening's work for the hosts.

The respect these teams will have for one another, along with other factors including injuries and the fixture pile-up, suggests a stalemate could be in the offing.

Draw and Under 2.5 goals 11/4 (3.75) for a 1pt stake with Betfair