With both teams safe from relegation for another year and with nothing to play for on Saturday, the game will undoutbedly focus on Derby’s bottle-blonde midfielder Robbie Savage.
The former Wales protagonist will be making his final appearance in front of the Pride Park faithful, after deciding to hang up his boots at the end of the season.
But just as one ‘star’ burns out, another could be born – in the form of City starlet Bobby Reid.
The teenage midfielder is expected to take his place on the bench and could upstage the Welsh tart, if afforded the chance to replicate his reserve team performances this season.
Vital Quotes:
City boss Keith Millen…
“We’re on a poor run and it’s crept up on us. That happens in the Championship; we were on a good run and then all of a sudden we’ve lost four from our last five.
‘We want to win our last two games of the season. I would prefer if something was riding on the match but even so we’re keen to end on a high.”
Derby County Team News:
The Rams will have to make do without centre-back Shaun Barker (knee), with Russell Anderson set to partner Daniel Ayala in defence.
Striker Chris Porter returns following a hamstring injury and youngsters Callum Ball and Jeff Hendrick should be included.
Player to watch: Steve Davies
The Rams captain and joint-top scorer will need to be watched from the left-wing.
Bristol City Team News:
City skipper Louis Carey is a doubt for the trip to Pride Park so James Wilson stands by for his Championship debut.
Damion Stewart and Kalifa Cisse are both injured while Nicky Maynard sits out the second match of his three game suspension.
Reserve team ‘keeper Dean Gerken could make his first start of the season should Millen decide to end David James’ 100% appearances record.
There could also be a debut for 17-year-old midfielder Bobby Reid, who is set to take his place on the bench.
Player to watch: Albert Adomah
Livewire Adomah created two assists in the reverse fixture at Ashton Gate earlier in the season and will be our biggest threat on Saturday.
Match Facts & Stats
– Robbie Savage will make his final appearance at Pride Park, after deciding to retire at the end of the season.
– Derby have won nine out of the last 10 home meetings with City.
– City’s last win at Derby came in 1992 with a 4-3 at the Baseball Ground.
Ref Watch:
Match Prediction:
DERBY 2-3 CITY
The form guide and the history book points to a home win, but City have been unlucky to lose two five-goal thrillers recently and it wouldn’t surprise me if one swung in our favour at Pride Park.
Next Fixtures:
DERBY
7 May: Reading (a)
CITY
7 May: Hull (h)
