'Barring a miracle, Bristol City's season is over'

The unthinkable happened on Tuesday night as Bristol City crashed out of the FA Cup, losing to League One basement club Port Vale.

This win by the home team will not linger long in the mind as a giant-killing act but with 38 placed between the two sides in the EFL ladder it was a match City should have taken in their stride and entertained Sunderland at Ashton Gate in the fifth Round on Sunday.

More disturbing than the result was a performance which created an outcome that, barring a miracle turnaround in league form, signals that the 2025-26 season is over and all City have to play for is pride.

Coach Gerhard Struber made eight changes from the starting line up that faced Watford last Friday.

The 1,600-plus fans that made the trip to the Potteries to watch the game would have come away with the feeling that only one player emerged with any level of credit.

That was Seb Naylor, the 20-year-old defender signed from Manchester City in the January transfer window.

He did not look out of place on the quagmire of a pitch that was more brown than green and reminiscent of what playing surfaces looked like in the 1970s.

The final whistle heralded chants of 'you're not fit to wear the shirt' by the City faithful, a comment born out of frustration at how this season is going when it promised so much.

League leaders Coventry City rock up at Ashton Gate on Saturday and they will be looking to strengthen their hold on pole position.

With seven home reverses at Ashton Gate already this season you would not bet on the Robins taking anything from the game, but they are so consistent in their inconsistency that they could pull off a shock win.

That being said, with the visitors having no midweek fixture and City tired from 120 minutes of exertion, the result should go according to the formbook.

City travel to the King Power Stadium to face Leicester on Tuesday before visiting Middlesborough at the Riverside in a Saturday lunchtime game.

Former striker Tommy Conway will be keen to get one over on his old team-mates whilst City will have to rest the two Boro players they have on loan.

Defender Neto Borges is doing an adequate job so far but, based on performances to date, the forced exclusion of Delano Burgzorg will be seen as a blessing by most, such has been his ineffectiveness in providing additional goals.

You can hear more from David Pottier on the Forever Bristol City podcast.