Divin Mubama signs: The dream Bristol City XI once the transfer window closes | OneFootball

FLW takes a look at Bristol City's dream XI come the 3rd of February.

Bristol City once again find themselves in the mid-table region of the Championship and will be looking to force themselves into the top six come May.

Since their return to the second tier in 2015-16, fans have grown accustomed to seasons ending in comfortable safety, yet without the excitement of a genuine push for the play-offs.

If they are to finish this season strongly, then they will need some aid in the transfer market to boost a settled squad.

With that in mind, at Football League World we have outlined an ideal Liam Manning starting XI including two new signings.

GK - Max O'Leary

Max O'Leary has been a staple of Bristol City's side since 2022-23 and made 52 appearances in all competitions for the Robins last season.

While he hasn't been at his best this season, he tends to be a dependable option and it is difficult to see Manning change his number one before February 3rd.

Therefore, O'Leary is the first name in our Bristol City XI.

RWB - Kosta Nedeljković

The first of two new names in this starting XI, Kosta Nedeljković would be a superb addition from the Robins to bolster that right-wing back role.

Recent games have seen Ross McCrorie featuring there, but sidelining him for the Serbian would be a smart move.

The young defender should surely be available on a loan deal from Aston Villa due to their addition of Andres Garcia from Levante, and Nedeljkovic is in need of some experience, having made just nine appearances this term.

Having featured in the Champions League, he comes with a decent pedigree and has been clocked at speeds of 36.4km/h. This puts him among some of the fastest players in the world and this level of dynamism down the right-hand side could be useful for City in both defence and attack.

CB - Zak Vyner

The three centre-backs are fairly straightforward selections, starting with Zak Vyner.

The defender has played every single league minute for the Robins this term and has been a huge part of the reason they have kept nine clean sheets.

It is difficult to see him leaving the team for the foreseeable and Bristol City supporters will be hoping that his commanding presence at the back continues.

CB - Rob Dickie

Second in line is Rob Dickie, who signed for City in 2023 from Queens Park Rangers.

An aerially dominant defender, Dickie commands the back line with the authority of a captain and has continued to deliver outstanding performances this season.

CB - Luke McNally

To finish off the talented trio, we have Luke McNally.

The 25-year-old has arguably been the pick of the three this term, with his ground duels and aerial duels won ranking among the top 11% of central defenders.

In addition, he has found the back of the net three times in 2024-25, including a winner against Paul Warne's Derby County.

He has to be in Manning's XI and his continued form is crucial to their play-off ambitions.

LWB - Cameron Pring

Despite currently being sidelined, Pring has earned a place in this dream XI, with his return to action anticipated in the coming weeks.

Previously touted as the club's most sellable asset, the defender has been at Ashton Gate since 2016.

His current contract runs until 2026 and the Robins faithful will be keen to see him remain with City beyond that.

CM - Max Bird

Max Bird made the switch from Derby County to Bristol City last January but had to wait until this season to make his mark, as the 24-year-old spent the remainder of the 2023-24 campaign on loan with his former club.

Since emerging into the Championship, Bird has been superb, becoming an atypical box-to-box midfielder.

This season he has registered five assists and has built a strong partnership with his captain, Jason Knight.

CM - Jason Knight

Another former Rams player, Jason Knight, had the esteemed honour of becoming captain of the red and white side of Bristol at the age of just 23.

A brilliantly well-rounded midfielder, the City number 12 excels in key metrics such as duels won and recoveries, the latter being the highest of any player in the league.

Therefore, he comfortably finds his way into Bristol City's XI post-transfer window.

LW - Anis Mehmeti

Kicking off the front line, we have one of the stars of this season in Anis Mehmeti.

The Albanian international is currently the Robins' top scorer and has worked his way into the side for the first time since departing Wycombe Wanderers two years ago.

Matching a buyout clause in 2023 for £1 million, Mehmeti is beginning to repay that fee, and he could be the man to take them towards that coveted top six.

RW - Scott Twine

The free-kick master, Scott Twine, was signed permanently by Bristol City for £3.2 million in the summer.

Despite injury setbacks, he has now contributed to seven goals this term and has looked at his very best in recent weeks.

Another dead certain in the XI, Twine, could be a huge player for the Robins in the rest of 2024-25.

ST - Divin Mubama

To cap off our starting XI, we have another potential loan signing in the form of Divin Mubama from Manchester City.

The 20-year-old made the move to the Etihad after spending 11 years as a rising prospect at West Ham United, where he first made his mark.

Boasting an impressive record at youth level, Mubama scored 58 goals in 91 appearances for West Ham's under-21 and under-18 sides and will now be looking to take his first real steps in senior football.

Bristol City could offer the perfect environment for him to flourish, much like Tammy Abraham did during his loan spell at Ashton Gate.

Mubama could therefore be the missing piece of the puzzle and being a loan-deal, it would be relatively risk-free for Manning and Co.