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Bristol Post
Bristol Post
Sport
Krishan Davis

Lee Johnson brings back a familiar face for Bristol City's crunch Championship clash against Derby County

Bristol City have been boosted by the return of their first-choice goalkeeper.

The Robins take on Derby County in a crucial clash between two play-off chasers at Ashton Gate today (Saturday).

A win would keep City's Premier League dreams alive, while a defeat would all but condemn them to another season in the Championship.

City's No1 Niki Maenpaa has been reinstated to the starting line-up having been out of action since  March 2 with a calf injury sustained against Preston.

Niki Maenpaa of Bristol City arrives (Rogan/JMP)

City boss Lee Johnson had hinted that Maenpaa might return during his press conference.

He said: "We are trying to tick the boxes, but of course you have to make a decision at some point on when you thrust him in there, and that will depend mainly on the player and how he feels.

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"It’s been a light training build up for him. It comes down to experience because you need to know what you can and can’t deal with and someone like Niki Mäenpää with his age and experience will know that."

Max O'Leary has been a worthy deputy, but he will drop to the bench for the crunch match with the Rams with question marks over some of his decision making during the 2-0 defeat to Sheffield Wednesday on Easter Monday.

Max O'Leary of Bristol City (Rogan/JMP)

Finnish goalie Maenpaa is one of three changes to the Robins side to face Frank Lampard's Derby.

Nathan Baker comes in for Bailey Wright at the back, while Niclas Eliasson drops to the bench for attacking midfielder Jamie Paterson to start having overcome his knee injury.

Marlon Pack will captain the side in Wright's absence.

You can follow all the updates from Ashton Gate in our live blog here.

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