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G.M's Match Preview: Rams Require Consistency To Get Result At Rovers
Wednesday, 17th Sep 2014 06:45 by George Martin

Derby travel to Ewood Park on the back of a well deserved point and good second half performance against Notts Forest on Sunday.

I would expect Zak Whitbread to come into the left sided central defensive area for the suspended Jake Buxton while the now fit Jamie Ward, will be pushing for a start after a slight hamstring strain. I suspect he would come in for Dawkins, but Russell has not shown much in the past two games, so he could make way.

Russell could even make way for Ibe who looked very lively when he made his debut on Sunday, but the management team may want to save him for the middle of the second half. Eustace should keep his slot in the CDM role, but again any knocks or lack or recovery may see a start for Mascarell.

Derby's man of the match from Sunday's encounter, Will Hughes, will look to get forward, dictate play and do damage in Blackburn's final third. Ryan Shotton will continue at right back after having a better second half on Sunday, although he made Antonio look like Ronaldo in the first half! :-)

At times, in the second half on Sunday, Derby played some of the good football we are capable of. I thought we would go onto win the game after the equaliser, but the referee put that idea to sleep by sending off Buxton. What a homer!

Blackburn are likely to be unchanged from the side that beat Wigan 3-1 at the weekend. Reports suggest Blackburn are more attacking this season so the defence will have to be on their toes and fully focused especially from set pieces.

There is the aerial threat and strength of the massive Gestede, as well as the natural scoring Rhodes. If that's not working, look out for Varney coming on in the second half.

Derby will hopefully be able to soak up the pressure and attack on the break, exploiting the space. However, the passing, quality in the final third and decision making needs to be consistently better throughout the 90 minutes to get a positive result.

Derby will have to keep a close eye on Cairney and Marshall in midfield, whilst the Blackburn defence have vast experience in Kilgallon, Baptiste and goalkeeper Robinson.

Derby will take heart from Sunday's result. They need to continue to show the character and resilience needed in tough away games, as well the quality on the ball going forward. This will be another test of all of those traits and attributes.

We do not seem to have a great winning record at Ewood Park. In fact I don't think I have ever seen us win there in about five attempts - they always seem to have been draws.

With that in mind, I am going to go for a score draw, but if we can take the lead who knows!!


Current Form / Clash History:

Blackburn (11th — W, L, W, L, W): Rovers had an impressive 3-1 win at home on Saturday over Wigan Athletic — leaving them in a confident mood for the Rams visit.

Rovers have not lost to The Rams in their last 7 clashes including 4 wins. The last time the visitors claimed victory at Ewood Park was back in 2001 — when both teams resided in the top flight.


Derby (14th - D, L, W, D, D): Two consecutive League draws, including a scrappy draw at Forest, leaves the Rams needing to start accumulating wins.

Despite most feeling it has not been the best start to the season for Derby, a major positive is that they have only lost 1 of their 8 matches in all competitions, which was to Charlton nearly a month ago.


Last Time They Met:

Blackburn 1 vs. 1 Derby

Ewood Park - 25th January 2014



Classic Clash Video: :

Blackburn 1 vs. 2 Derby

Ewood Park - 9th September 1996


Gaffer / Player Match Preview:

Steve McClaren & Will Hughes preview the trip to Ewood Park.

COYR!!




Photo: Action Images



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