G.M's Match Preview: Rams Will Eggs-pose Donny In Easter Clash
Friday, 18th Apr 2014 07:19 by George Martin

Derby travels to Doncaster tonight to do battle in front of the Sky Sports cameras, backed by over 3,000 travelling Rams fans.

In the last game, Derby started brightly against Huddersfield but went behind to a goal that was well worked from an offensive point of view, but could have easily been avoided from a Derby perspective.

Derby did not panic and the defence splitting pass of the season by Thorne, was brilliantly finished by Russell.

Then, a combination of a player being sent off and an own goal by the Huddersfield keeper, condemned the Terriers to another defeat.

Their task was made harder when great dribbling by Hughes culminated in him being fouled and Martin converting the resulting penalty.

Huddersfield were then down to 9 men with half an hour still to play. Derby huffed and puffed, but the job was already done. Another three points in the bag, cementing a play off place and a reminder to Burnley we were still there.

I expect Derby to be unchanged. Hughes has looked good since coming back from injury and Thorne has added another dimension to the midfield.

The only change could see Ward come in for Bamford, but hamstring injuries need care and caution. Therefore, with a game on Monday and the play offs looming, it is more sensible to keep easing Ward back into the frame.

After looking like they were pulling themselves away from the relegation battle, Doncaster have lost their last three games including their last two home games.

Reports suggest they played well in their last game against Ipswich but are now hovering dangerously above the relegation zone and will need to go for a win tonight. This will hopefully suit Derby.

Their captain Richie Willens and defender Lucas Neill face late fitness tests. Derby will need to be aware of the tricky and competent Coppinger in midfield and Sharp is capable of creating a goal from nothing up front.

Although I can't see it happening, it would be great if Burnley lost to Blackpool just before we kick off at 7:30pm, but Blackpool are in free fall and having seen them, I don't think they will win another game this season.

Hopefully Derby's intricate passing will be too much for Doncaster and the defence will hold tight. Doncaster does tend to score, so I will go for a positive 1-2 score line for The Rams.

Enjoy the extended weekend and the game whether you are making the trip to The Keepmoat or watching on Sky Sports.

Current Form — Last 5 League Matches:

Doncaster (19th): L, W, L, L, L

Derby (3rd): L, W, L, W, W

The Stats That Matter:

Steve McClaren has collected just over 66% of the points on offer since taking over as Rams Head coach taking 62 of a possible 90 points.

Derby has won 4 and lost 2 of their last 6 while Doncaster has only won 1 of their last 5 games having lost the other 4.

The Rams beat Doncaster 3-1 at the iPro earlier in the season. Doncaster have not beaten Derby since March 2011 when they prevailed 3-1 at Pride Park.

Derby have won their last two trips to The Keepmoat and will be looking to make it 3 consecutives home losses for Doncaster.