Jamal Campbell-Ryce will be welcomed back by Keith Millen, who is in charge for this match despite the appointment of Steve Coppell as Bristol City boss.Caretaker manager Millen can include winger Campbell-Ryce (hamstring) and keeper Dean Gerken (broken collarbone) after both were passed fit to play.
Derby full-back Jay McEveley could miss out after suffering a twisted knee.
Kris Commons and Rob Hulse are both sidelined with hamstring problems, and keeper Stephen Bywater is also out.
MATCH PREVIEW
As well as a perfect start to new manager Steve Coppell's reign, a win for Bristol City would be the club's first at home to Derby for 25 years.
Coppell, who took over as City boss this week, inherits a side that are in danger of finishing outside of the top 10 for the first time since the club's promotion to the Championship in 2007.
The Robins, currently 11th, had their six-game unbeaten run emphatically ended when they loss 3-0 to struggling Scunthorpe United last weekend. They now face a Derby team that has drawn their last two matches, and five of their last eight.
Do not be surprised if this match is settled by a late goal. Between them, these sides have conceded 21 goals in the last five minutes this season. Derby have shipped 10 and City 11 - more than any other team in the Championship.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
• This is the 50th league meeting of these clubs. Derby have won 28 of the previous 49 and Bristol City 11, with 10 drawn.
Have your say on this match
• Derby are looking for a third successive win over the Robins, and a first double over them since 1994/95.
• The Rams are unbeaten in eight league games against City since being beaten 4-3 by them at the Baseball Ground in September 1992.
Bristol City
• City are undefeated in four home matches (W2, D2).
• More Championship goals have been scored at Ashton Gate this season than at any other ground (60).
• City have drawn 17 times this season. Only Ipswich exceed that, with 19.
• They are one of five clubs who have not lost a Championship game in which they have scored first.
• Marvin Elliott could make his 100th league start for Bristol City.
Derby
• Derby have won only two of their last 10 league games, but are unbeaten in four away matches (W1, D3).
• Goalkeeper Stephen Bywater could make his 250th club career appearance.
• James McEveley is set to make his 100th appearance for Derby.
MOST RECENT MEETING
Derby 1-0 Bristol City (26 September 2009)
Derby scorer: Teale 85.
Source: BBC Sport
Source: BBC Sport