G.M's Match Preview: Rams Must Cement Play-Off Position In Bristol
Tuesday, 19th Apr 2016 06:45 by George Martin

Derby have the opportunity to make their play-off position all but mathematically safe when they travel to Bristol City tonight.

Marcus Olsson should be fit to return at left back after recovering from illness. He is likely to replace Hanson who covered amicably for him in Saturday's important one nil win away to Charlton.

Johnson, Hendrick and Grant are all still unavailable due to injury, however Will Hughes will continue building his match fitness. There may be a temptation to start Hughes ahead of Butterfield, it could still be too early for him, but he will be champing at the bit to earn his first start since returning from injury.

Christie should continue at right back having performed well in the past few games despite being replaced by Hanson for a couple of games recently.

Ince and Russell should continue on the wings with both players in good form, playing with confidence and scoring goals.

Bristol City have pulled away from the relegation zone in recent weeks after some good results against Sheffield Wednesday, Bolton and in form Rotherham side. They also picked up another valuable point away to Brentford on Saturday.

They have injury concerns in Golbourne and Matthews after they were forced off on Saturday and both will face late fitness tests. Wilbraham is in contention as long as he has no negative reaction to recent training sessions while O' Donnell will deputise in goal for the injured Fielding.

Head coach Lee Johnson will have some important selection decisions to make. Tomlinson is a good player going forward and Odemwingie is a threat from the bench but may be handed a start. Kodjia is their top scorer and has ample strength and pace to trouble any defence in the division.

Prediction:

Despite Derby's rare away win on Saturday, this will still be a tough game. Charlton were unlucky not to score and arguably deserved at least a point however The Rams were resolute and gained a valuable three points.

Wassall may make one or two changes in midfield but his team needs to win the battle in the centre of the park early in the match to ensure they have a positive impact on the game.

Both teams may be happy with a score draw as it pulls Bristol further away from relegation and cements Derby's play-off place.

A 2-2 draw with Martin and Bryson to bag.