EFL Championship: Derby County vs Bristol City! Is Bristol City a team that takes from the rich to give to the poor?

Our first topic today isthe Championship: Derby County vs Bristol City!

These two teams had a considerable gap last season,with Derby County just one point above the relegation zone, struggling to avoid the drop, whileBristol City reached the promotion playoffs, placing them among the top-tier teams.

This season the gap is still wide: Derby County has been crushed in both league matches, while Bristol City’s overall performance is decent, even winning convincingly away at Sheffield United.

Therefore, there will be some difference in popularity between the two sides today, but Bristol City has also shown some weaknesses that make me a bit concerned.

Bristol City’s squad hasn’t changed much this season,last season they had 11 players with over 2000 minutes played, and only one departed: striker Wells.

The coaching staff, however, saw bigger changes. Manning and his assistant Hogg, who led last season’s turnaround, were poached by Norwich, replaced by Struber, who coached Cologne in the 2. Bundesliga last season.

There are two points here:

First, although only Wells left, he was the team’s offensive leader last season, directly involved in the most goals and acting as an on-field commander. His departure is significant.

Second, even though Struber promised not to drastically change tactics, we can already see Bristol City undergoing noticeable changes, which will continue, as he is a true Red Bull style coach, quite different from the English Manning.

This has caused some cohesion issues in Bristol City’s attack.

Their goal-scoring against Sheffield United mainly came from counterattacks,even managing just 22% possession in the first half,intentionally inviting Sheffield United to push forward and then exploiting spaces behind. The three shots resulted in a spectacular free-kick goal and a quick counter goal. Impressive, but it didn’t test their ability to break down tight defenses.

In the next two matches against weaker teams, when Bristol City tried to attack proactively, they were less effective.

Against Milton Keynes, they relied on headers to break the deadlock,as the opponent is a League Two side, giving Bristol City a physical advantage.

Against Charlton, it didn’t work,they lost the physical battle and were even weaker in the air,not winning a single aerial duel all game!Despite having more possession, they created only one clear chance, with an xG lower than their opponents.

Now, take note: Derby County’s squad hasn’t changed much either.

Last season, in their two encounters, Bristol City was physically outmatched and conceded two set-piece goals to Derby County.

Many key players remain from last season on both sides, so Bristol City likely won’t have a big advantage in physical contests.

After conceding so many goals recently, Derby County will probably play more cautiously and defensively, which will test Bristol City’s ability to break through.

But as we’ve seen, Bristol City’s attacking strength is currently unconvincing, and if they also fail to dominate physically, this match might be tough for them.

So, although there is a big gap in last season’s results and this season’s form, how do you think Derby County will perform today? I hope they can at least avoid defeat!

Alright, for today’s other matches, I’ll still share my written opinions with you tonight. If anything is unclear, feel free to ask me. “Watch football clearly,” see you then!

If you like it, please tap and follow, and give a thumbs up!