Bristol City have two players who run the risk of a two-match ban for disciplinary purposes if they pick up another yellow card within the next couple of weeks.
Midfielders Alex Scott and Joe Williams are one yellow card away from missing two Championship fixtures having accumulated nine bookings throughout the season. EFL rules state players will face a suspension for picking up five, 10, 15 and 20 yellow cards.
However, there is a cut-off point that applies if a player picks up 10 yellow cards. It comes into effect after the 37th league game of the season which means both Scott and Williams will want to avoid collecting another caution in their next five matches.
City face Hull City on Saturday before a trip to Severnside rivals Cardiff. They then take on Huddersfield, Blackpool and finally Luton on March 15 which will then pass the deadline for picking up 10 bookings.
If either player is booked on Saturday, their suspension won't come into effect against Manchester City in the FA Cup as it only applies to league matches. Although that's not the case if they receive a red card against the Tigers.
No other City player is likely to reach double figures in that period with Andi Weimann, Cam Pring and Zak Vyner all on five yellow cards.
If Williams or Scott receive 15 yellow cards before the end of the season, they will be forced to miss three matches. The punishment for 20 bookings is determined by a regulatory commission.
Any suspensions, particularly in midfield, will provide a headache for Nigel Pearson who is already short of options. Kal Naismith is ruled out of action until at least March 19 when City head to Swansea meaning Andy King is likely the next candidate to come into the side.
However, Pearson does have more flexibility in the No10 position if Scott picks up a yellow card. Both Anis Mehmeti and Andi Weimann can both fill that role which means Scott can also drop into the deeper position if Williams faces suspension.
Meanwhile, the City manager provided an injury run down of his squad on Wednesday and timeframes on their recoveries. Regarding Tommy Conway, the striker could be back before the international break on March 20.
Kane Wilson has featured in the last three matches for City's Under-21 side following knee surgery but the wing-back "still has work to do" before being considered for senior selection. Pearson added: "He’s been out for a while now so we’re not looking to force him back in or rush him, but if he maintains the levels he’s been working at recently then he’s got a chance of getting himself back in."
Ayman Benarous and Rob Atkinson are both long-term absentees with confirmation the latter has been ruled out for the rest of the season with an ACL injury.
SIGN UP: For our daily Robins newsletter, bringing you the latest from Ashton Gate
READ NEXT
