Derby County have certainly not had the start that was expected under new manager Nigel Pearson, and they currently find themselves languishing in 21st place coming into this game against Bristol City.

Due to recent form, Bristol City arguably come into this match as favourites after collecting three wins from their opening 7 games and with Chelsea loanee Tammy Abraham on red hot goal-scoring form, it is clear that they are a big threat going forward.

Derby on the other hand have been lacking considerably in the forward areas this season and have remarkably only scored once this season, which came during their only win of the season against Preston North End.

Derby will be hopeful of kick starting their season this weekend when they visit Ashton Gate, and this article is going to take a look at the XI capable of taking all three points.....

 

GK - Scott Carson

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Despite not having the best of starts to this season, experienced shot stopper Scott Carson will be keen to make amends this weekend by keeping a clean sheet when the Rams come up against Bristol City at Ashton Gate.

Carson will be facing the red hot Tammy Abraham and co and will be hopeful of keeping them at bay, and keep a clean sheet for only the 3rd time this season.

 

RB - Cyrus Christie

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Cyrus Christie is one of the division's most highly rated full-backs and would be a definite starter in my Derby County XI.

Christie is excellent going forward and can often be found over the half way line providing the winger infront of him with the option of an overlap, he is good with the ball at his feet but he also has the pace to recover when caught out of position.

CB - Richard Keogh

Richard Keogh

Experienced Republic of Ireland international Richard Keogh is a real leader on and off the pitch and after the stuttering start that Derby have had this year, leaders are what they need going into this weekend's game against Bristol City.

Keogh has been at the iPro Stadium since 2012 and has gone onto make close to 200 appearances for the club.

CB - Jason Shackell

Jason Shackell Jason Shackell

Experience will be essential for this weekend's forthcoming game for The Rams, hence the reason 33- year-old centre back Jason Shackell would earn a recall.

Shackell has had a long and successful career which has seen him never play in a lower division than the Championship, and has also seen him grace the Premier League for two seasons.

LB - Marcus Olsson

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28-year-old jet-heeled full-back Marcus Olsson would keep his place at left back as he poses a real threat going forward, and forward thinking players are what Derby are going to need this weekend if they are to find the net for only the 2nd occasion this year.

Olsson is also an accomplished player when positioned further forward as a winger, and possesses all the attributes needed to be a real threat to the Bristol City defence.

CM - Will Hughes

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Midfield playmaker Will Hughes has the technical ability to unlock any defence in the Sky Bet Championship and Derby will need him to be at his creative best this weekend, if they are to record their second victory of the season.

Hughes is a huge talent and is widely regarded as one of the brightest young English midfielders.

CM - Craig Bryson

Craig BrysonCraig Bryson

Fans favourite Craig Bryson would get the nod to partner Will Hughes in the centre of midfield in my Derby XI on Saturday, Bryson is an all action box to box midfielder who will provide good energy and work rate to the midfield.

Bryson also adds a significant goal threat to the side as he has a knack of being in the right place at the right time in attacking situations.

RW - Ikechi Anya

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Ikechi Anya is a new signing at Derby this season and is yet to hit top form but, he will be hopeful of putting in a big performance this Saturday to help his new club to the three points at Ashton Gate.

There is no doubting that the former Watford man has bags of quality and is someone who could potentially unlock the Bristol City defence with his pace, dribbling ability and flair.

CAM - Matej Vydra

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Another new signing at Derby this season is Matej Vydra, Vydra would be given a starting role just behind the striker in my Derby XI.

The former Watford man is excellent on the ball and would therefore be playing in the CAM role to allow him to get more possession of the football and be able to influence the game. Vydra is another who is yet to hit top form and will be hopeful of a big performance this Saturday at Ashton Gate.

LW - Tom Ince

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Tom Ince would provide the side with a real creative spark and goalscoring threat down the left hand side, and would therefore get a starting spot in my Derby XI.

Ince is a player who can create something out of nothing and could be key to unlocking the sturdy Bristol City defence on Saturday.

The 24-year-old had a good campaign last year as he helped himself to 12 goals throughout his 46 appearances.

ST - Darren Bent

Darren Bentd

Derby are in dire need of goals at the minute which is the exact reason why I would turn to highly experienced former England forward Darren Bent this weekend.

The 32- year-old has had a glittering career which has seen him represent the likes of Sunderland, Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur as well as earning 13 caps for the senior England team.

Bent has scored goals wherever he has been throughout his career and is someone with the experience and composure to hit the back of the net this weekend against Bristol City.