Derby vs Bristol City prediction 22.08.2025 | Championship

Last season was extremely tough for Derby, but they ended one point above the drop zone and avoided relegation. Hopes were high that strategic summer signings would propel the team forward, but the 2025/26 campaign has begun disastrously, with John Eustace's side suffering defeats in their opening two matches. Last weekend, Derby lost 5-3 at home against Coventry. That was another match in which John Eustace's team looked terrible on defense. With the summer transfer window ending in about two weeks, Derby urgently needs defensive reinforcements. 

Derby are interested in signing another winger. The English media close to the club reports that Lommel's Koki Saito or Liverpool's Kaide Gordon could fill the void. 

Derby have big problems with missing players. Kane Wilson, Lars Salvesen, Curtis Nelson, Sonder Langas, Corey Blackett-Taylor, and Patrick Agyemang are injured and will not play on Friday night. Also, Owen Beck is questionable, and his status will be clearer closer to the kickoff. 

Last season was one of the best for Bristol City in the 21st century. They ended sixth on the table, but failed to win promotion to the Premier League through the playoffs. Bristol City are again financially far from the strongest teams in the competition, but they hope for another great season. Bristol City have a solid start to the 2025/26 season with four points in the first two rounds. Last weekend, Gerhard Struber's team played 0-0 at home against Charlton. The teams were pretty even in that game, so a draw was probably the fairest outcome. 

Bristol City are playing well, but they are still very active in the transfer market. There are reports that they are ready to offload striker Sinclair Armstrong before the summer transfer window ends. 

Bristol City have some missing players, too. They will be without Luke McNally, Max O'Leary, Cameron Pring, and Joe Williams on Friday at Pride Park.