Russell Anderson will replace Shaun Barker at the heart of the Derby defence.
Barker has undergone surgery on the troublesome knee problem that has dogged him for much of the season and he will miss the Rams' remaining two Championship matches.
Anderson will partner Daniel Ayala at centre-half, getting the nod over Miles Addison and Dean Leacock.
Leacock will return to the squad after missing the Easter fixtures due to illness.
Striker Chris Porter, who is out of contract this summer, returns to the squad after a hamstring injury and youngsters Callum Ball and Jeff Hendrick will be included again.
The match will be Robbie Savage's final home game for Derby as the veteran midfielder is set to retire at the end of the season.
Bristol City captain Louis Carey will be assessed ahead of the trip to Pride Park.
The defender only recently returned following a fractured skull and boss Keith Millen 'remains concerned' about the 34-year-old.
Should Carey not be risked, James Wilson could make his first Championship start.
Millen is considering giving reserve goalkeeper Dean Gerken a run-out in one of the final two matches this season. The move would end David James' ever-present record in the league this season.
Academy product Bobby Reid has been included in the squad for the first time and could make the bench.
Defender Damion Stewart and midfielder Kalifa Cisse remain on the sidelines through injury while striker Nicky Maynard is still suspended.
