G.M's Match Preview: Rams Require Confidence Boost At Blackpool
Tuesday, 8th Apr 2014 08:15 by George Martin

Derby will hope to put the disappointment of the Boro performance and result behind them when travelling to Blackpool.

At times against Boro, Derby were a little too sluggish and casual in the final third. There were times a pass needed to be made quicker, a run sooner and a cross earlier.

I do wonder that with six games to go and with an 11 point play off cushion, with results often going 'our way', are the players in a slight comfort zone and almost subconsciously not to as up for games as they were.

We technically don't NEED to win. Automatic was gone when we lost away at Burnley and because teams below Derby are as inconsistent as us, they are not catching up to us points wise and we are comfortably in the play offs places.

Despite the performance and result I do not really expect Derby to make any changes to the starting line up. Hughes could possibly come in, but individually no one is really playing bad, so McClaren will probably stick with the same side but it will be dependant on any knocks or fatigue. He may want to give the players another chance to prove themselves.

There is also the problem that with Ward and Dawkins out injured and Bennett on loan, there is not that option of the injection of pace or to try something different. The away form is starting to be a little bit of a concern through and being inconsistent going into the pay offs is a recipe for disaster.

Often in the past, the form team in the final run in has gone on and done well. Could it be Bournemouth this season?

Blackpool have gone into free fall since Christmas and the sacking of Paul Ince does not seem to have altered their slide. They were near the top at the start of the season and then a crazy few games where they got numerous players sent off which resulted in them losing games, including a 5-1 drubbing at Derby, has seen them plummet down the table.

The Seasider’s lost to bottom side Yeovil on Saturday and Derby will hopefully look to capitalise on their current lack of confidence. They may just pick up enough points to stay in the division, but they will be looking over their shoulder as other teams like Millwall, Charlton and Barnsley have gradually picked up vital points in recent weeks.

Blackpool will be looking to make amends after losing to Yeovil, so Derby need to be on their game right from the first whistle.

With six games to go and the play offs looming, Derby need to pick up an away win and give a timely boost of confidence. The players also owe it to the coaching staff for the faith shown in them by McClaren and Simpson.

For those travelling, remember it is an 8 o' clock kick off. Personally I will be travelling up early with my Nephew and throwing myself around the pleasure beach for a few hours before we head to the game.

Hopefully the Derby performance and result will give me an equal thrill!!

Current Form — Last 5 League Matches:

Blackpool (20th): L, W, L, D, L

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

The Stats That Matter:

Steve McClaren has collected 56 points of a possible 84 points since taking over as Rams Head Coach.

The Rams are struggling to start a run of good results having only won 2, drawn 2 and lost 4 of their last 8 games. It is even more frustrating as they have kept 4 clean sheets in their last 6 matches.

Derby’s impressive early season away form has fallen away dramatically now having only won 1 of their last 8 on the road.

The Rams have won 4 of the last 5 matches against the Seasider’s, including a 5-1 thrashing earlier this season.

Blackpool have not won in their last 3 outings during a season in which they have only won 2 of their last 24 matches, drawing 5 and losing 17.

Despite the home teams poor form of late - The Rams will still need to be on their guard - as Blackpool have won 2 of the last 3 games they have played at home.