G.M's Match Preview: Derby Will be Too Much For Town
Saturday, 30th Aug 2014 06:26 by George Martin

Derby welcomes Ipswich to the iPro stadium for what will be their third home game this week.

It has been 'so far so good' after a thumping 5-1 win against Fulham and a hard fought, but well deserved, victory against Charlton in the league cup.

Steve McClaren and the coaching staff have some difficult selection decisions to make after Whitbread and Shotton played well in midweek. Jordan Ibe has also signed on loan from Liverpool to add strength and depth to the squad.

Against Charlton Mascarell had a lot of the ball, but was receiving it too deep. I also feel the CDM role is not always about what you do with the ball. It is the interceptions, reading of the game and tackling which are important, something Eustace did so well against Fulham.

Expect Buxton, Christie, Ward and Eustace to come back into the starting eleven. The passing, movement and goals against Fulham were so good that I believe the same team should and will start the game. If things are not going to plan then there are plenty of options in Mascarell, Hughes, Ibe, Best and Dawkins on the bench.

Ibe is a very fast, direct winger who can play on either side and go inside or out. He has an eye for goal and his close control when dribbling will be a nightmare for defenders. A great addition to the squad.

The best thing about the additions of Shotton and Ibe, the good performance of Whitbread and the reintroduction of Eustace is competition for places. Whoever starts knows there is a more than ample replacement on the bench if they do not perform. This can only bode well for a promotion push.

Ipswich have had an inconsistent start to their campaign. They started well against Fulham with a 2-1 victory, but then lost to Crawley in the league cup and Reading in the league. Both by a 1-0 deficit.

They have injury problems with the experienced Cameron Jerome and Stephen Hunt out injured. Reports suggest they only have 16 players to choose from. They fought back well against Birmingham two weeks ago, but lost 1-0 to local rivals Norwich in their last league outing.

Their main problem seems to be scoring. Last season's top scorer McGoldrick is still recovering match sharpness from an injury back in May. Expect him and Murphy to lead the attacking line and there may also be a start for youngsters Teddy Bishop and Matt Clarke. Conor Sammon is on loan at Ipswich from Derby but will be ineligible to play as part of that agreement.

Derby does not have a great recent record against Ipswich where they seem to find it difficult to win. No one will ever forget the comeback from 4-1 down at half - time last season is what became McClaren's first (half) game in charge (see video of that amazing game below!).

Ipswich will be well organised and difficult to break down. In McGoldrick they have a player who has the pace and power to score a goal from nothing. Derby needs to be on their toes and aware during corners and attacking free kicks as Ipswich will look to score from set pieces.

Although it could be a tough afternoon for Derby, the players and fans need to remain patient and believe in the football. Keep it tight at the back with no mistakes and eventually the passing, movement and chances created will pay off. An early goal would really help.

With this in mind, I feel Derby will have too much for a slightly weakened Ipswich side and the impact from the Derby bench may also play a part in the result.

Expect Derby to make it a hat - trick of home victories and end the day in the top 6!

Current Form:

Derby (7th): After a stuttering start to the season destroyed Fulham 5-1 last weekend and progressed to the 3rd round of the League Cup with a 1-0 won over Charlton..

The last time Derby beat Ipswich at home was a 2-1 victory in November of 2006.

Ipswich (17th): After winning their opening day clash Ipswich have lost 2 and drawn one. They arrive in Derby looking to get their season back on track.

Ipswich are unbeaten in their last 6 matches in Derby and won their last match at the iPro earlier this year.