BRISTOL City boss Gary Johnson is facing a selection dilemma

ahead of Saturday's Coca-Cola Championship curtain-raiser at

Blackpool.

With just three days to go to the big kick-off, Johnson is

still undecided as to who will play in goal at Bloomfield

Road.

Adriano Basso, the first-choice during the past two seasons,

was expected to take the goalkeeper's jersey when the serious

business began. But the Brazilian has endured a troubled

pre-season, missing several friendlies through injury, and is

short of full fitness.

Chris Weale, who recently signed a new one-year deal, has

excelled in Basso's absence and is pushing for a place in the

starting line-up on Saturday. And Johnson admits he is still in

two minds.

“It's a big decision for me,” conceded the manager. “Basso

has had one or two problems in pre-season and is not as fit as

he would like to be, and Chris Weale has come in and played

really well.

“Chris had a fantastic game against Cheltenham last week and

he's a good goalkeeper. It's all about competition and it's

good to have two such capable keepers competing for a

first-team place. There really is nothing between them and it

will be circumstances that will determine the goalkeeper for

the Blackpool game.

“Basso is one of those players who needs to be spot on to

feel 100 per cent. He doesn't want to let anyone down. If he

doesn't feel he's fit enough, I'll have no hesitation putting

Weale in goal.”

Weale deputised for the injured Basso at Blackpool last

August and produced a man-of-the-match performance to earn City

a draw.

“He was outstanding that day and he'll be used to playing at

Blackpool,” added Johnson.

Although Johnson is still looking to make one or two further

additions to his squad, there are unlikely to be any new

arrivals ahead of the first game.

He confirmed: “We're pleased with what we have and we'll go

with what we've got for Saturday.

“I'm still looking and there could be another one or two to

come in. But that's not going to happen this week.

“I don't want to upset the equillibrium of the team by

bringing in too many new faces, because this group of lads have

worked hard to earn their places in the side.

“These are the players who came within one game and one goal

of winning promotion to the Premier League and we need to

remember that.

“A few dropped out of the squad at the end of last season

and I've brought a couple in who I think will enhance our

squad.”

New signing Gavin Williams is expected to make his

Championship debut for City at Bloomfield Road after recovering

from the ankle injury which delayed his pre-season.

Johnson said: “Gavin isn't quite as fit as I would like him

to be, but he's getting there. He's a very important player for

us and I'm sure he's going to play a big part in our

season.”

But midfielder Marvin Elliott is still struggling to shake

off the effects of a knee injury and Cole Skuse is expected to

take his place on Saturday.