Bristol City (H)

A much improved display against Swansea City saw The Rams disappointed to take home only a point and they will want to get back to winning ways with the visit of Bristol City. With more clinical finishing the game could have been out of sight by the time the Welsh side hauled themselves back into the game and they are certainly due a break from the officials as numerous decisions seemed to go against them on Tuesday night. The majority of sides below Derby picked up points so the gap between themselves and the bottom three has closed in terms of points even if they didn`t drop any places.

Nigel Clough hailed the performance against Swansea as the best since he took charge although he must be disappointed with the manner of the goals conceded. His side showed they were able to put in a performance without Kris Commons as Chris Porter and Rob Hulse linked up well and dominated the visitor`s defence between the pairing. Hulse had a goal ruled out and Porter hit his first two goals in a Derby shirt to show what he is capable of a number of bit part appearances coming off the subs bench. It looks as though Miles Addison is out for the season with his foot injury and Clough will want his injury right for the beginning of next season as the youngster has played a major role so far this year.

Bristol City sit two points and two places outside the play-off places after a disappointing performance in their 1-0 defeat to Birmingham City in midweek. After an average start a great run of results had seen them climb the table to reach the play-off places only for a couple of poor performances to peg them back of late but they are certainly right in the picture. A 1-1 draw earlier in the season at Ashton Gate saw Paul Green hit an equaliser in a much improved second half to give Derby their first point of the season. Dele Adebola has spearheaded City`s recent revival with a number of goals and strong performances.

'He should be fit for pre-season training so we'll get on without him."

'The main thing is he gets it right for July - especially at his age - for his future and our future.'

Nigel Clough talking to Radio Derby about the Miles Addison`s injury that has ruled him out for the season.

Kris Commons and Miles Addison again miss out although Nacer Barazite is in contention to return after his dislocated shoulder.

Showed what he was capable of against Swansea on Tuesday with a dominant display and two goal haul to get off the mark. Combined well with Hulse and will be looking to continue in the starting line-up with Commons still unfit.

Cole Skuse and Dele Adebola are both set to undergo late fitness tests before the match.

Veteran striker who has found a new lease of life scoring nine times for City to become their joint top scorer. Always a handful with his physical stature he`ll be looking to add to his tally at Pride Park.

Last five results

Derby County
Manchester United (A) 1-4 Addison
Blackpool (H) 4-1 Commons (2), Green, Barazite
Nottingham Forest (A) 3-1 Nyatanga, Hulse, Davies
Doncaster Rovers (A) 1-2 Savage
Swansea City (H) 2-2 Porter (2)

Bristol City
Southampton (H) 2-0 Adebola, Sproule
Doncaster Rovers (A) 0-1
Reading (A) 2-0 Adebola, Skuse
Blackpool (H) 0-0
Birmingham City (A) 0-1

A performance that didn`t match the result against Swansea gave encouraging signs and with better finishing it could have been a thumping victory. Bristol City come to Pride Park looking for points to secure a play-off berth but will leave empty handed after a 2-1 defeat.

10th March v Southampton (Coca Cola Championship) St Mary`s Stadium

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