Exclusive: David Prutton on potential concern for Bristol City as play-offs loom | OneFootball

Could Bristol City's lack of clean sheets cost them in the play-offs? David Prutton doesn't think so.

David Prutton has admitted that Bristol City's inclusion in the play-offs could bring some exciting games amid their inability to keep regular clean sheets.

The Robins have surpassed expectations this season and seem set to break their play-off duck at the 10th attempt since promotion from League One in 2014-15.

One of the key positives behind their push for the top six has been their ability to beat the teams around them and remain competitive in matches, even when not at their best.

Despite their strong position, it may come as a surprise to many that City's clean sheet record does not reflect that of a side chasing the play-offs. They have managed just ten shutouts all season, placing them 15th in the league for that metric - behind struggling sides such as Oxford United and Preston North End.

Entering a four-way shootout for promotion, this could prove costly for Liam Manning’s side, with a solid defence often key to play-off success. While the Robins have shown they can compete with top sides such as Sunderland and Sheffield United, their tendency to concede - even if only once - could be enough to see them fall short of a place in the Premier League.

David Prutton doesn't expect clean sheet record to hold Bristol City back

Speaking exclusively to Football League World about Bristol City's play-off hopes, David Prutton admitted that outscoring the opposition is the way forward for the Robins amid their poor clean sheet record.

"I absolutely understand the value of clean sheets," Prutton told FLW. "Look at the facts - the sheer numbers Burnley have racked up, and they've ended up in the Premier League - I totally get that. But, if you can outscore the opposition, then that's great. That is the fundamental point of football - if you are conceding but scoring more than the opposition, then you'll be fine.

"In that shoot-out quality of what the play-offs could potentially be for Bristol City - which would be a great achievement - once you're in there, it's eyes down, full tilt, and the kind of focus that's needed to gain the ultimate prize. It could potentially come back to bite them. But, as I've said, if you're capable of outscoring the opposition in any way you see fit, then Liam would back his side to do that.

"For us as neutrals, it would make for some entertaining football!"

Bristol City will want to make the most of their play-off position

For most City supporters, simply sneaking into the play-offs would be considered a fine season in itself. However, why not take advantage of the position they find themselves in?

The Black Cats and the Blades are stuttering towards the end of the season, while the Robins are one of the form teams in 2025.

In 2007-08, they were just one game away from their debut season in the Premier League, and it would be no surprise if they came just as close this time around. For Manning, his task will be to ensure his players don’t take their foot off the gas if they make it into the top six, and to carry their strong form into potential games against out-of-sorts sides.