G.M's Match Day Preview: Rams Must Capitalise With Cardiff In Chaos
Saturday, 20th Sep 2014 08:12 by George Martin

Derby will be buoyed by a fantastic away performance and result against Blackburn in midweek. Derby played some fantastic football and for the game to have ended in a draw - would have flattered the home side.

Derby dominated possession, territory and chances. Some superbly clinical finishes by both Ward and Hughes, pushed Derby up the table and keeps them knocking on the play off door.

Cardiff come to Derby looking for a new manager - after Solskjaer resigned on Thursday. The appointment was never going to work and the eyebrows that were raised when he was given the job - have been justified. Nice bloke, but the wrong man, for the wrong club, in the wrong league (Premier), at the wrong time.

The main decision for the Derby coaching team is whether or not to bring back Buxton for Whitbread. Buxton and Keogh have been the number one partnership from day one - so logic suggests Buxton will be given his place back.

It was good to see Christie given his place back on Wednesday after Shotton was used to stop Antonio against Florist. Christie had another good game at Rovers and more than justified his return to the starting line-up.

Ward could not have dreamed of a better comeback from injury with two goals. He will look to start again against Cardiff, but his hamstrings need managing.

Barring the Buxton/Whitbread decision, the rest of the team should pick itself with Eustace continuing in the CDM role and Hughes pulling the strings in midfield. Dawkins will be confident after a good performance against Blackburn and if things are not going well, Derby can turn to Best, Russell or the very pacey Ibe on the bench.

Experience and logic tells most football fans that in their position, Cardiff will either come out fighting and caretaker manager (Gabbidon) will get a win, or they may still be in disarray. If it is the latter - an early goal for Derby could be very damaging for their self belief.

However, the Bluebirds still have some good players and are a threat going forward. On their day Jones and Macheda are a quality goal scorers by this divisions standard and there is also the option of the experienced goal poacher Le Fondre.

Marshall is a solid goalkeeper while Whittingham's corners and set pieces are a will keep the Rams defence on its toes. Gabbidon may even decide to play himself in an attempt to sure things up at the back.

Cardiff seem to be scoring goals, but it is at the back where the problems are. This was highlighted by losing a two goal lead to Norwich last Saturday. They also lost 1-0 at home to 'Boro in midweek which ultimately cost Solskjaer his job.

Two back to back defeats in two home games, angry fans plus a Chairman who is not happy, equals; bye, bye manager!

Derby need to start on the front foot and take the game to Cardiff. Hopefully the visitors heads will be all over the place after a turbulent week and Derby will be able to exploit this.

We must again avoid errors and wrong decision making at the back, otherwise we will again concede soft goals.

However, all Derby fans will be hoping it is a good time to play Cardiff — so it is with this in mind that I am going to go for a home win.

We may have to be patient, but eventually the pressure and chances will tell and Derby will secure all three home points.

Enjoy the game!

Current Form / Match Stats:

Derby - 7th ( L, W, D, D, W ): Battling draw away at Forest followed by an impressive win and victory at Blackburn. 4 points in 2 away games = good return.

Derby has not beaten Cardiff in their last 6 attempts including 2 wins from their last 3 at the iPro during a time that Cardiff were dominating the League and The Rams were struggling. May 2010 was the last time - when Derby recorded a 2 - 0 win.

Times have changed with Derby having only lost 1 of their 9 matches this season including 3 wins and 1 draw at home.

Manager-less and in poor form - there will never be a better time for The Rams to get the Cardiff monkey off their back!

Cardiff - (W, L, D, L, L ): Undefeated so far this season with 4 wins and 1 draw.

Cardiff have drawn 1 and lost 3 of their last 4 matches with their only win in the last month being on August 26th over Port Vale in the League Cup.

Despite poor recent form — on their travels Cardiff have performed well — losing only 1 of their last 5 away games.

Last Time They Met:

Cardiff 1 vs. 1 Derby — March 5th 2013

In the 2012/13 season the Bluebirds were promoted as League Champions — The Rams played out a 1-1 draw at the City stadium with Connor Sammon putting Derby ahead on 75 - before Craig Noone equalised in the 82nd minute.