Derby to end 3 match winless run versus Bristol City

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The last time Derby defeated Bristol City was April 2016. Since their 3-2 win on that English spring day, the Rams have gone three straight matches against Bristol City without a win.

A 1-1 and 3-3 draw took place last season before Bristol City throttled Derby 4-1 in September 2017. While the Robins got the better of Derby on that occasion, the Rams are flying much higher currently, and on Friday night, should end their three-match winless streak against Bristol City.

Both Championship clubs are desperately fighting for Premier League promotion. Derby currently sit second while Bristol City are fifth. The two teams are in very different form. Derby are undefeated in their last six matches. Meanwhile Bristol City have lost three straight Championship games.

The Robins' form can be attributed to their run in the Carabao Cup. Lee Johnson's team is in the semifinals of the tournament, and go into next week's second leg fixture with Manchester City down a goal. The Carabao Cup has been an unnecessary distraction for the team, and it could cause Bristol City to completely drop out of the promotion places.

Derby enter the weekend with the second-best goal scoring record. The Rams have totaled 44 goals this term. Striker Matej Vydra has lead the way with 15 strikes. Derby have scored two or more goals in 14 of 27 matches this term. There is a good chance fans will see goals in this one, and the possibility of more than 2.5 goals is highly likely.

Defensively, Derby have the second-best goals conceded record. Just 23 goals have been allowed by Gary Rowett's team. Since December 2, Derby have not tasted defeat, and during that run of eight games, the Rams have kept six clean sheets. Derby have outscored their opponents 15-2 during that time span. Things don't look good for Bristol City.

Bristol City have scored one goal in their last three matches. That is a terrible strike rate for a team chasing promotion. It can be argued the side is tired with the added stress and strain of the Carabao Cup. While the attack has been non-existent, the team's defence has allowed eight goals. On New Year's Day, Bristol City allowed five to sneak past them against Aston Villa, another promotion chasing club. The Robins are woeful, and with the second leg of the Carabao Cup to take place next week, it is difficult to see Johnson turning the team around on Friday night.

Although the Robins haven't been scoring, the team does have goals in them. Leading goal scorer Bobby Reid has hit the back of the net 12 times, while Aden Flint has scored six goals. At one time, Bristol City's attack was firing on all cylinders. The team has the fourth best goals scored record in the Championship (40), and this is a team that has scored just once in their last three games.

Playing at home this season, Derby have recorded 26 of 39 points. Away from home, Bristol City have tallied 23 of 39, which is the third best record in the league. On paper, it can be argued Bristol City will re-discover their form away from Ashton Gate on Friday night. The only problem is the team aren't just on a three-game losing streak in the Championship, but a five-game losing streak in all competitions.

Derby County should win a close game with more than 2.5 goals scored at Pride Park.