Derby have been nothing short of sensational in recent games, bouncing back from another points deduction by taking four points from Bournemouth and Fulham.
However, losing to Queens Park Rangers on Monday night, after initially being in front, hurts Wayne Rooney and his squad, and it emphasises the size of the task currently in front of them.
Despite collecting five points from four games, County have fallen further behind in their battle to stay in the second tier with 26 matches now remaining.
While Rooney will be delighted with the level of performance, results are all that matter now, and the Rams must travel to the South-West going all out for three points.
Tom Lawrence has shown that he is capable of delivering in the final third over the past five games, contributing three goals and two assists.
For Bristol City, they welcome another opportunity to extend their recent improvement at Ashton Gate, a three-match unbeaten streak being put together after nine months without success.
Nevertheless, their 2-0 loss at Sheffield United on Sunday made it seven defeats from 11 matches, leaving the Robins seven points above the relegation zone.
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Bristol City should have too much quality to ever become embroiled in a battle to avoid the drop, but Nigel Pearson is aware that remaining in the bottom half of the table over the coming months will keep his job at risk.
Pearson can at least take positives from the last two home fixtures, Bristol City following a 1-1 draw against Blackburn Rovers with a fine 1-0 triumph over fellow playoff contenders Stoke City
