Normally a match against Leeds is the second most anticipated fixture of the season, but with fans and players understandably shifting their focus to the playoffs finals — it is hard to know what to expect.

Steve McClaren has done his best in the media to stress he is keeping his chargers minds on the job ahead, while also conceding he may rest some players for the match if it will benefit the team.

It is always a conundrum as to whether you should tinker with things when on a roll or whether keeping some players legs fresh for next week would be a better option.

Personally I think that starting Dawkins to get some more minutes into his legs and maybe even blowing the cobwebs off Bamford who has sat out the last few. This way his energetic wide men in Ward and Russell can be be crisp for Thursday night.

If Sammon is back and ready to roll, it may even be worth handing him the starting role which will allow him some solid playing time in case he is required during the finals, and also have Martin ready to go when the pace has eased.

I think Hughes will start unless still carrying injury and either Hendrick or Bryson will be benched, depending on who needs the rest more. Personally I would save Bryson till the second half and just let him stretch his legs late.

Thorne and the back four behind him are likely to stay the same but It would not surprise me to see Eustace, Whitbread or Naylor start or get an extended run so they have a bit of match fitness in case of emergency over the next 3 games.

Personally I would keep our stars in cotton wool as it would be a disaster if The Dirty inflicted an injury on someone, when we are so close to the promised land.

Something like Grant, Naylor, Buxton, Whitbread, Wisdom, Eustace, Bamford, Hughes, Hendrick, Dawkins, Sammon. Still a more than capable squad with a brilliant bench to call on to get the job done if The Damned get on top.

But McClaren will know better than I who needs a rest or may be carrying a slight injury and would benefit from some time on the pine.

With no real injuries concerns McClaren will be able to manage his squad as he sees fit and how he thinks it will best serve their impending Play-Off campaign. Better you than me Steve — a real quandry!

For Leeds they will welcome The Rams without Alex Mowatt (knee) and Sam Byram (hamstring). The Damned have been in reasonable form of late but their overall results for the last few months have been poor with only 4 win in the last 16.

It won’t be the end of the world if we draw or lose this one but there is nothing like positive momentum - so I still think Steve will want to record a win to keep the dressing room bouncing.

For that reason I think he will only make a couple of changes and perhaps attempt to kill off the game early so he can withdraw a few of his diamonds early.

I hate Leeds with a passion and want them destroyed at every opportunity, and despite the massive light shining over the horizon; I fully expect a Rams team desperate to secure their spots, will make it 11 consecutive wins over The Damned United!

Prediction: Dirty 1 — 3 Derby

COYR!!

Current Form — Last 5 League Matches:

Leeds (15th): L, W, W, L, W

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

The Stats That Matter:

Steve McClaren has collected just over two thirds of the points on offer since taking over as Rams Head coach taking 71 of a possible 99 points. A draw at Elland Road would see The Rams record a new DCFC record of 85 points accumulated in a single league season. Derby have won their last 5 in a row including their last 2 away matches.

Leeds have had a recent upturn in form having won 3 of their last 4 matches. Before that they only managed 1 win in 12.

Classic Clash — The Rams vs. The Damned:

The Dirty at their dirtiest!

The Baseball Ground - November 1975

Gaffer / Player Preview:

COYR!!

Photo: Action Images

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