The Bristol derby – could it be happening next season?

The Bristol Derby is one of the most fierce and bitter rivalries within the football league, you only need to watch the 2013 first round JPT match to see how much it means to both sets of fans.

However there has been a shortage of league derbies in recent years, but that could be set to change.

It has been over fifteen years since Bristol Rovers found themselves higher in the table than their red counterparts. But the belief is high within the Gas supporters, that despite Bristol City being one of the richest clubs outside the premier league, that they are on course to become on level terms with the Robins.

Bristol City currently find themselves occupying the top spot of the relegation zone after being unable to find any real form since their domination of the league last season.

In their last two outings they have conceded late both times and dropped valuable points. They failed to sign enough players in the summer transfer and will likely have a long wish list for the January market.

Rovers find themselves in an established play off position after an impressive set of results in recent weeks, including a strong performance and result against Luton on Saturday.

Many Rovers fans have taken to social media to express their excitement and belief that they could be back on level terms with their rivals, this has annoyed many City fans who believe the Gas supporters are celebrating too prematurely.

It would not be the first time Rovers have been caught celebrating too early, as two seasons ago the travelling fans embarked on a mass pitch invasion after they beat Wycombe on the penultimate game, meaning relegation was highly unlikely on the last day.

However all results went against them and they lost one nill to Mansfield and they were then relegated out of the football league.

Last season Rovers were promoted via the playoffs after beating Grimsby on penalties and they believe they can re-create their playoff heroics this season.

This weekend the Reds go up against premier league opposition in West Brom in the FA cup, however Rovers face Barnet away in the league after exiting the Cup to non league side Chesham.

If the rovers dream is to come true, they will need to keep up their form and continue to produce solid performances and hope Steve Cotterill is unable to change the fortunes of his side.

Bristol City will of course be hoping to avoid relegaion, as next season will see the re-developments on their stadium complete. They will want to use the new facilities to attract a high calibre of player, and make a strong push in the championship.

City fans will urge to board and management to sign players in the key areas to strengthen the squad, as the performances in a recent weeks have been mainly positive but the team have been unable to convert chances and been unable to kill games off. This could be a tough time for City, and the transfer market is vitally important for them.

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