Derby County face Bristol City at Ashton Gate on Wednesday evening and Phillip Cocu’s men will have plenty of confidence heading into this one.
The Rams beat Swansea City 3-2 last time out. It was their first Championship away win since the opening day of the season at Huddersfield Town.
It takes Derby’s run to five wins in seven Championship games. No team has picked up more points in that time, including Bristol City who recorded four straight wins.
(Photo by Jon Hobley/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images).
City’s run ended with a 3-1 home defeat to Birmingham City last Friday night.
Here is how we believe Derby County will line up:
Max Lowe returns from his three-match suspension. The left-back was sent off at Luton Town after grabbing the referee’s arm in frustration over a harsh pass-back call.
The former Derby academy star may replace Craig Forsyth.
The other change sees Graeme Shinnie make his first league start since picking up a lengthy injury in the 1-0 win over Preston North End back in November.
The Rams have missed the Scot’s energy in midfield. His presence can allow Wayne Rooney to play further forward and closer to striker Martyn Waghorn.
Rooney has been excellent in a holding role for Derby. That said, with improved fitness, he can certainly start to pose a greater threat in the final third.
(Photo by Chloe Knott – Danehouse/Getty Images).
Bristol City won the corresponding fixture at Pride Park 2-1. Both teams have changed since then, and this will be another good test of Derby’s recent progress.
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