Bristol City predicted XI vs Derby County: key change made from Plymouth Argyle draw

Bristol City host Derby County at Ashton Gate on Saturday afternoon in their upcoming Championship clash. They are currently sat in 10th place in the table after their 2-2 draw away at Plymouth Argyle last time out on New Year’s Day.

Anis Mehmeti and Jason Knight got their goals against the Pilgrims. That result leaves Liam Manning’s side five points off the play-offs.

Bristol City are unbeaten in their last three outings and have the chance to bolster their ranks now the January transfer window is open for business. They also have the opportunity to let some players leave the club as well to help free up space and funds.

Their upcoming opponents Derby County were beaten 4-2 away at Sheffield Wednesday last time out. They were promoted from League One last season along with Portsmouth and Oxford United and are positioned in 17th in the league.

Bristol City team news

Bristol City left-back Cameron Pring picked up a hamstring injury against Plymouth and is now unlikely to feature against Derby County. Manning has said: "It looks like a hamstring, but I've got no idea how serious it is or what it looks like. It's obviously frustrating, but it's such a full-on period that you run that risk when you put someone in for a third game in six days or whatever it is. You always run that risk so we'll have to see.”

Hayden Roberts could come into the team for Pring and his manager has said: “[Roberts] did some good things, he's had to be patient. I'm pretty sure now that he'll get the opportunity he's been craving so it's now about grabbing it. You can be frustrated, you can want it but ultimately what it comes down to is delivering when you get that opportunity."

Mark Sykes, Kal Naismith and Sinclair Armstrong remain out injured for the Robins. The trio won’t be back to play against the Rams as they continue their respective recoveries. Manning said: “They're on the grass but the problem we've got at the minute is that there's no training time.

“You're getting lads that are getting close, they're doing the work every day but you have to put them in a training session with the stimulus of loads of bodies running around them. Derby's probably too tight for the ones coming back."

Bristol City predicted XI to face Derby County

Max O’Leary, George Tanner, Zak Vyner, Rob Dickie, Luke McNally, Hayden Roberts, Max Bird, Jason Knight, Scott Twine, Anis Mehmeti, Nahki Wells.

The only change Bristol City are likely to make is Roberts in for Pring. Max O’Leary should keep his place between the sticks, whilst the back three of Zak Vyner, Rob Dickie and Luke McNally is expected to stay the same, with George Tanner and Roberts as wing-backs.

Max Bird and Jason Knight used to play for Derby and are set to face their former team. Scott Twine and Anis Mehmeti will be looking to cause the Rams some issues and create opportunities for the experienced Nahki Wells ahead of them.