G.M's Match Preview: Rams Must Take Advantage Of Holes In Bristol
Saturday, 17th Sep 2016 08:08 by George Martin

This afternoon Derby travel to the refurbished Ashton Gate hoping to put a dismal run of results behind them.

Generally, the performance against Ipswich on Tuesday was good. It was certainly better than in previous games and good chances were created. There seemed to be a bit of a negative overreaction to the result on the radio and via the now clichÃ©d 'social media'.

Derby played well enough to win the game and should certainly not have lost it. However, Ipswich defended very well and the unfortunate Carson misjudged his dive and timing of the save, allowing the ball to somehow go in.

There was a mix of direct and passing football with Bryson and Hughes seeing plenty of the ball. Pearce moved the ball quicker (could it have been moved any slower than Shackell against Newcastle!?), with Wilson and Vydra also looking sharper and fitter. The only surprise was not brining Ince or Blackman on for Wilson and Anya earlier, as they both tired around the 70 minute mark.

Derby will be without the injured Shackell and Russell is a major doubt as they both have calf strains. Therefore, Derby are likely to be unchanged with Butterfield playing narrow on the right of midfield and Anya providing width and pace on the left.

Craig Bryson, now playing in a midfield two with Hughes, is seeing a lot more of the ball and seems a lot more involved in games. During previous games, in a midfield three, he would do a lot of running, but never really be on the ball.

Pearce will partner captain Keogh the heart of the defence and Derby fans will be hoping full backs Olsson and Christie will be able to deliver better crosses and balls into the box, because in the recent games they have generally been very poor.

Bristol City have made a good start to the season and sit in 13th place. They seem to play free flowing; attacking football having scored 11 but have also conceded 10 goals in 7 league games.

They have won homes games against Wigan and Aston Villa. They scored a late winner against Burton away to gain a valuable but fortunate three points. They also conceded a late goal to lose to Sheffield Wednesday 3-2 on Tuesday evening.

Flint will look to marshal things at the back, but midfielder Gary O'Neil is serving a one match suspension having been sent off in Tuesday's defeat. Ekstrand could feature but is a little short of match fitness. Matthews may also return to the squad after a hamstring injury.

Derby will need to keep a very close eye on Chelsea loanee Tammy Abraham. The young striker has made an excellent start to the season having scored 6 goals already this season. Five more than the entire Derby squad!

Bristol City have score 22 goals in their last eight home games, but Derby are unbeaten against The Robins in the last six games, winning five and drawing one.

Match Prediction:

Compared to Villa in the first half, Barnsley away and Burton away, Derby were much improved on Tuesday against Ipswich Town. The motivation, body language and football were all better but Derby still did not score.

Pearson is trying to change the way Derby play and eventually the clientele. This will take time and at least another transfer window. It is very hard as fans have been used to winning, especially at home. Fans need to stick with the players and be patient.

This will be another difficult game as Bristol City are in confident mood having had a good start to the season and are scoring goals. However they seem to be conceding them too and Derby need to capitalise on this.

A win would be great but in the current climate and the way things are going, most fans would take a Derby goal and a point!

Derby to draw 1-1 and Vydra to score. COYR!