Derby County vs Bristol City Prediction: Rams set for another difficult afternoon

Derby County have had a hit-and-miss start to the new Championship campaign, with three points on the board after three matches. That win came at Pride Park against Middlesbrough, but since then they’ve been beaten by Watford and knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Barrow on penalties. Next up for them is a home game against Bristol City on Saturday (15:00), as Paul Warne strives to get more points on the board. 

Below you can find my Derby County vs Bristol City prediction, featuring betting tips and team news.

Team News

Having been knocked out in round one, Liam Manning’s men enjoyed a rest in midweek while Derby were in Carabao Cup action. Warne’s men were dumped out of the cup by Barrow, but he chose a very different XI to the one we have seen in the league. Tawanda Chirewa played just hours after officially joining on loan from Wolves, but expect the usual suspects such as Jerry Yates, Nathaniel Mendez-Laing and Kayden Jackson to return to the starting line-up for this one. 

Meanwhile, the Bristol City boss could name the same team as the one that drew 1-1 with Coventry last time out, with Fally Mayulu still pushing Sinclair Armstrong for a starting spot. The former QPR number nine has been a constant threat so far this season for the Robins and is likely to retain his place, while Scott Twine is set to continue playing from the left. 

Derby vs Bristol City Odds

Derby are priced at 7/4 to win this game, with Bristol City available at 7/5. A draw can be backed at 21/10 while BTTS is 8/11 and over 2.5 goals is 10/11. 

Bristol City to win @ 7/5

To put it bluntly, I don’t rate Derby very highly at all this season. I don’t think much of their squad and although Warne is a likeable character, he is yet to show that he has what it takes to succeed in this unforgiving division. Their only league win of the season was against Boro when they were second-best but held on, and I think it is going to be a long season for the Rams. 

Meanwhile, the Robins have looked good so far this season, and have brought in some tremendous new signings. Armstrong, Twine and Mayulu all look like fantastic permanent additions, and they were the better team against Coventry at the weekend. They are also unbeaten in the league so far and everything to me suggests they should be able to get all three points at Pride Park. 

Bristol City over 2.5 goals @ 9/2 

Yeah, I’m really confident in this Bristol City team. I think they are a class above Derby and will dominate possession, even away from home. The midfield trio of Joe Williams, Jason Knight and Max Bird should be able to control proceedings, and given the latter two played for the Rams, they will want to make a big impression on their return to the East Midlands. 

Rob Dickie is a class centre-back at this level, while Armstrong should have a field day against a shaky Derby backline. He’s so quick and powerful, that there’s not a lot that defences can do to stop him, while it feels like a big Bristol City win is right around the corner. They had seven shots on target to Coventry’s one in the 1-1 draw, and stuck four past Millwall in the game prior to that. I’m happy to back them to score at least three in this one. 

Offers

Place a pre-match 5+ leg Football accumulator and get a CASH bonus up to 100% if all of your selections win or your money back as CASH if one leg lets you down.

Place an In-Play single bet of £10 or more at odds of 1/2+ on any Premier League or Championship game on Friday or Saturday and get £5 in Free Bets to use In-Play on Sunday’s Premier League or Championship games.

Check out our other Football Betting Tips here.