Gary Christie
Predicted Bristol City Lineup To Face Derby County In The EFL Championship
Bristol City have lost five in a row now but it doesn’t truly tell the whole story. That said, the results don’t lie and this period has slightly derailed City’s promotion push so an away win at Derby would be massive.
Lee Johnson is facing something of an injury crisis for the game with Bailey Wright and Matty Taylor both doubtful. City have several long-term absentees; Eros Pisano, Jens Hegeler, Gary O’Neil, Callum O’Dowda and Ivan Lucic.
New signing Ryan Kent may come in to allow Joe Bryan to go back into an attacking left-back role while Liam Walsh, a permanent arrival from Everton, may also retain his place in a freshened up midfield.
A return to 4-4-1-1 could be on the cards this time with the following XI lining up:
Probable Bristol XI
GK – Frank Fielding
A tip-top ‘keeper it has to be said and one who should end up in the Premier League one way or the other.
RB – Korey Smith
With Bailey Wright out injured, Korey Smith should here at right-back and make his 27th appearance of the league season.
CB – Aden Flint
The giant centre-back is a real danger from set-pieces but his primary role today is to keep tabs on Derby’s new man Cameron Jerome.
CB – Nathan Baker
A solid foil for the big man and highly likely to start again in the Championship.
LB – Joe Bryan
Equally comfortable here or in the midfield and should get forward to good effect given that Johnny Russell will not see his priority as tracking back.
RW – Jamie Paterson
Should start on the right-wing here this time and get his attacking instincts right for Bristol to come out victoriously.
CM – Marlon Pack
Doing very well this term, attempting to provide a stable midfield for the more attack-minded players to complement.
CM – Josh Brownhill
Josh Brownhill should make his 32nd appearance of the season here, alongside Pack.
LW – Ryan Kent
The new boy did extremely well at this level last season with Barnsley and is looking to hit the ground running at Ashton Gate. A big display here away from home would go a long way towards confirming his regular place in the side.
SS – Liam Walsh
May play in a supporting role behind the striker, though in a 4-4-1-1 this time to allow him more room to move around.
ST – Bobby Reid
The top scorer remains a target for certain top-level clubs, though a deal this month looks unlikely. He should lead the line against Derby.
