Derby County travel to Bristol City this weekend.
Bristol City host Derby County at Ashton Gate this weekend in a Championship fixture which could have big implications on the race for the playoffs as we draw closer to the season end.
Derby are currently lying in sixth position after their 2-0 victory over Queens Park Rangers on Monday. Harry Wilson’s injury time goals gave the Rams a vital three points as they started the day in eighth.
Fellow playoff challengers Middlesbrough and Bristol City both suffered defeats, with the latter falling to a 2-0 loss at a much-improved Sheffield Wednesday in what was always going to be a tough game.
Both teams will be seeking the three points this weekend, while rivals Middlesbrough will surely be hoping for a draw as victory for them over Reading could see them sneak back into the top six.
Derby midfielder Craig Bryson picked up an injury against QPR and had to be withdrawn. The Scotland international will likely miss the game at Bristol City, leaving boss Frank Lampard with a big call to make.
The natural midfield replacement would be either Duane Holmes, who is still recovering from an injury, or the experienced Tom Huddlestone who hasn’t featured for the Rams since mid-March.
But Lampard may feel his side’s best chance of overcoming the Robins is to outscore them in an expected high-scoring game. Harry Wilson could drop into the midfield three, allowing Jack Marriott to return upfront.
Marriott, a £5 million summer signing from Peterborough United, looked lively when he came on against QPR and set up Harry Wilson’s second goal. The 24-year-old hasn’t started since early March, and he will feel he still has a lot to offer the team this season.
Here is how we see Derby County lining up this weekend:
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