Both sets of fans put their differences aside momentarily to poke fun at local rivals Cardiff City.

It doesn't last long though as Swansea have a dangerous free-kick down the right hand side, Jamie Paterson standing over it.

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Gareth Vincent
BBC Sport Wales at the Swansea.com Stadium

Swansea have made the brighter start here, moving the ball nicely without causing Bristol City any major defensive concerns.

Goals have been an issue for Swansea all season, and a return of just one scored in their last five games shows where they need to improve today.

Bristol City have scored plenty of goals - only five teams have managed more in the Championship this season - but a tally of 55 conceded has been the issue for Nigel Pearson.

He will be pleased with what he has seen from his rearguard in the opening stages at least.

Swansea appeal for a penalty as Ryan Manning's through ball is intended for Hannes Wolf, but referee Keith Stroud waves them away.

Wolf has come out worse after his collision with Timm Klose.

Owain Tudur Jones
Former Wales midfielder on BBC Radio Cymru 2

Swansea look far more threatening in the opening stages here.

It's a positive start and there's much more urgency about them this afternoon already.

Chris Martin finds half a yard of space inside the Swansea area but he's quickly closed down as the ball bounces out for a corner.

Swans goalkeeper Andy Fisher doesn't deal with the resulting delivery, but the hosts manage to scramble the ball clear.

Andy Robinson
Former Swansea winger on BBC Radio Wales

He's hit the target, that's all you can ask.

The shot lacked a little bit of conviction, but it was a difficult ball to deal with.

Swansea are slowly taking charge, midfielder Flynn Downes is cutting out all Bristol City advances at this stage.

Michael Obafemi has the first shot on target of the game, but his effort from outside the area is easily gathered by Max O'Leary.

The atmosphere is one of a derby here at the Swansea.com Stadium despite there being over 80 miles separating the two clubs.

Both sets of supporters in full voice in the early stages.

Antoine Semenyo almost latches onto a weak back pass from Ben Cabango, but Andy Fisher is quick enough off his line to clear the danger.

Both teams are struggling to keep the ball in the early stages, Bristol City's forwards are giving the Swans defence very little time on the ball.

Andy Robinson
Former Swansea winger on BBC Radio Wales

The result mid-week was abismal.

It's one of those games where I look at it now and there's not one positive to come out of it.

Today is going to be another difficult one, but it's roll up the sleeves, dig deep and it's the result over performance for me.

Both teams take the knee ahead of kick off. Referee Keith Stroud blows his whistle and Bristol City captain Andreas Weimann gets us underway.

Image source, Rex Features

Owain Tudur Jones
Former Wales midfielder on BBC Radio Cymru

Jamie Paterson will be desperate to make an impact especially as he's up against one of his former clubs today.

All eyes will be on him and he'll be keen to put all the off-field stuff behind him.

He can play a huge role and could be that spark Swansea need.

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

This is the 73rd meeting between Swansea City and Bristol City, with the Robins edging the head-to-head record.

Bristol City have come out on top 29 times to the Swans' 22, a further 21 encounters have ended as a draw.

The visitors have left Swansea with three points on three of their last four trips, Connor Roberts scoring the winner for the hosts on the other occasion.

Russell Martin's side did get the better of today's opponents in the reverse fixture at Ashton Gate, a 19th minute Joel Piroe goal the difference back in August.

Bristol City ended a three-game winless streak with victory over Reading at Ashton Gate on Wednesday.

Antoine Semenyo and an own goal by Michael Morrison helped the Robins secure a 2-1 win.

"We wanted determination and we wanted three points and we've got that," assistant manager Curtis Fleming said after the game.

"I spoke about keeping the ball out of the net and I think we put our bodies on the line."

Image source, Getty Images

A lacklustre performance in midweek saw Swansea fall to a 3-0 defeat against Stoke City.

After the game, head coach Russell Martin said his high intensity way of playing got the better of his players.

"This team is going to look very different physically next season," said Martin.

"The physical profile of our players - the ones we currently have, whoever we bring in - is going to be very different."

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Gareth Vincent
BBC Sport Wales at the Swansea.com Stadium

Jamie Paterson will be in the spotlight once again this afternoon as he lines up against the club who released him at the end of last season.

It has been quite some campaign for the 30-year-old forward, who has been one of Swansea's star players since joining in August.

There has been controversy too, with Paterson missing five league games in January after telling Swansea he was not in the right frame of mind to play because of issues over his contract.

Paterson produced a matchwinning assist on his return to first-team action last weekend.

After the season Paterson has had, it would be no great shock should he make headlines once again today.

Nigel Pearson has kept the same Bristol City starting 11 that beat Reading in midweek.

January's Championship Player of the Month Antoine Semenyo is looking to add to his goal against the Royals, while top scorer Andreas Weimann continues to wear the armband for the Robins.

Bristol City are looking to put an end to a nine-game winless away streak.

Bristol City: O'Leary, Dasilva, Kalas, Klose, Vyner, Pring, Scott, Massengo, Weimann, Martin, Semenyo

Substitutes: Bentley, Williams, Wells, Cundy, Idehen, Conway, Benarous

Image source, Getty Images

Swansea City forward Jamie Paterson starts against his former club while Finley Burns makes his debut for the Swans.

Burns is one of four changes, including Ryan Manning's return from suspension in place of the now-suspended Ryan Bennett.

Jay Fulton, Korey Smith and Olivier Ntcham drop to the bench.

Joel Piroe, who scored the winner against Bristol City in the reverse fixture, returns to the Swans starting XI.

Swansea City: Fisher, Manning, Downes, Cabango, Grimes (c), Obafemi, Pateron, Wolf, Piroe, Christie, Burns

Substitutes: Hamer, Fulton, Smith, Ntcham, Joseph, Dhanda, Latibeaudiere

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency