G.M's MatchDay Preview: Rams To Beat 18 Years Of Away Blues
Saturday, 1st Feb 2014 04:30 by George Martin

Now we have all just about calmed down after Tuesday nights incredible comeback, Derby travel to St. Andrews, to play an inconsistent Birmingham City team.

The amount of possession, shots, crosses and passing was fantastic against Yeovil. I must admit I had slightly given up hope as time ticked away, but I kept thinking that surely a second must go in.

Leaving it until the 87th and then a winner in the 94th minute simply had my head and heart pounding. I think I finally got to sleep about midnight!

Credit goes to McClaren and the coaching staff for having the balls to put on Jonny Russell near the end. It was his injection of pace and skill that won the free kick which brought the winner. The amount of forwards McClaren is willing to have on the pitch near the end of games is fantastic to see. Bryson finally put in a decent ball from a set piece, for Martin to flick and guide in for the winner!

Birmingham (or will it be Man Utd reserves?) has quite a few options for the match, having made four (I think!) loan signings in the last 48 hours.

They have signed left back Tyler Blackett; centre half Tom Thorpe and centre forward Federico Macheda, all on loan from Manchester United. They have also signed centre half Aaron Martin from Southampton.

The Blues also have Rusnak and Huws to select from, on loan from Manchester City. All of this late activity was required because many of their loan players recently returned to their respective clubs.

For Derby, Jeff Hendrick is fit to return to the squad, but having played well against Yeovil, I expect Hughes to start. Bamford did enough to retain his starting place but McClaren may be tempted to start with Ward as he has slightly more defensive qualities that may be required for an away game.

New loan signing George Thorne may start on the bench as his time will come soon enough. McClaren believes he is a quality player and his judgment so far has been sound.

Derby does not have a good record at St. Andrews. We tend to either lose or draw. However, Birmingham has lost their last three games and has not won at home since the start of October 2013. They have not won at home in nine games having drawn five and lost four.

Birmingham will hope to keep it tight at the back, fight for everything in midfield and try and out muscle the Derby defence. They made it difficult for Derby at the then Pride Park in a 1-1 draw near the start of McClaren's reign. I expect it to the same this time.

Much will depend on if the new Birmingham players can possibly click as a unit after only a short time. Derby has a much more settled squad and will again look to play nice, passing football while working hard off the ball to retain it.

History and statistics point to a score draw, which I would not be too displeased with. However, anytime I see Derby playing a team in the bottom six, who are not in great form, I want Derby to take the game to them and go for it and under the new coaching team, it is a near certainty.

Hopefully we will make a good start to the game, score first and go on to win!

I am going to stick my neck out and go for a Derby victory. Our first since 1995 at St. Andrews during our promotion season to the Premier League under the 'Bald Eagle'. . . . And one Steve McClaren!

Current Form — Last 5 League Matches:

Birmingham (17th): W, D, L, L, L

Derby (4th): L, L, W, D, W

The Stats That Matter:

Up until a month ago the Rams were proven quick starters this season with 24 of their goal tally coming in the first 45 minutes of matches. In their last 6 competitive outings they have failed to score in the first half, something Macca will be keen to rectify.

Steve McClaren has collected a whopping 39 points of a possible 51 points since arriving at the Rams.

The Rams have the highest goals ‘for’ in the Championship with 54.

Derby has not won at St. Andrews since November of 1995 (extended video highlights of that match are below). It was during this season that the Rams were eventually promoted. History repeating perhaps?

Birmingham has lost 4 of their last 5 matches including the last 3 consecutively, placing them only 5 points clear of the relegation places.

St Andrews has been far from a happy home for The Brum this season without a win in front of their fans in their last 9 matches. You have to go back to October last year for their last win at home. Here’s hoping Derby make it double figures!