Derby go into this afternoon’s game brimming with confidence after a well earned victory away to Blackpool. This was after Florist inadvertently did Derby a favour by drawing with Watford, a result that sent us top.

Derby made hard work of the first half, against Blackpool in very blustery conditions. Having made five changes from the win at Reading, they stepped up the gas and quality in the second half and for once converted a penalty to deservedly win the game 1-0.

Wigan have drawn their last three games. They seem to be tight at the back, but lack a cutting edge in the final third. They have not won any of their last eight games in all competitions, losing three and have slowly slid down the table.

However, their form against Derby is usually good as it was last season on New Year's Day when they went home with all three points after a screamer of a goal from their full back.

How Derby will start is up for debate. For me Shotton should start with Keogh and the midfield three of Bryson, Hughes and Eustace is tried and tested, but Mascarell and Hendrick would be unfortunate to lose their starting place.

Hendrick is still coming back from injury so could be saved for Tuesday nights Fulham trip. Russell will continue to deputise for the Injured Ward and Dawkins will make a timely return to the bench.

Wigan are likely to be without Ramis, Boyce and Huws who are all injured, but still possess experience and quality in Carson, Figueroa, McManaman, Fortuné, and Maloney. Espinoza and McClean always seem to catch the eye so they may both influence the game.

A crowd of close to 29 thousand is expected and this will create a great atmosphere. This may also mean there is expectation from 'floating' fans and could result in added pressure on the pitch.

Hopefully the players will just play their normal passing game and the run of clean sheets will continue. If it does I see Derby winning the game.

Wigan will be organised and committed. They will be a tough nut to crack. Again, a first half goal will do wonders for the crowd, players and expectation levels.

Wigan have not won any of their seven away games in all competitions this season, losing five. Let's hope it stays that way and Derby gain all three points, and stay top of the league come 5pm!

Current Form / Match Stats:

Derby — 1st (W,W,D,W,W):

The Rams have been on an almighty run with only one loss from 16 matches across both League and Cup. The only loss came on the road with the iPro once again becoming a fortress with 5 wins, 3 draws and 1 losses.

If Derby keeps a clean sheet in this match they will break a club record that has stood for over a hundred years. Keep it clean boys!!

In recent times the Rams have only beaten Wigan at home once since 1985 — that win was in an FA Cup tie in 2005 (see video below). With the Rams breaking a few long running hoodoo’s this season, a win over the Lactics at the iPro would see another bogey team taken care of.

Wigan — 19th (L,D,D,D,D):

Wigan have been slowly sliding down the table with 3 losses and 5 draws from their last 8. For their last win you have to go back to the end of August.

The Lactics away form has been terrible having lost 5 and drawn 2 of their 7 matches. They arrive at the iPro winless on the road and looking to rectify that stat.

The last time the Lactics travelled to Derby — they beat their hosts 0 — 1 on New Years Day (see the video below).

Wigan have defeated Derby in 3 of the last 4 fixtures between the two teams but the teams shared the spoils last season with 1 win on each others home turf.

Last Time They Met:

Derby 0 v 1 Wigan.

1st of January 2014 — Pride Park Stadium

Classic Clash Video:

Rams 2 vs. 1 Lactics - FA Cup 3rd Round

DW Stadium — December 26th 2004.

Gaffer / Player Match Preview :

Steve McClaren on the visit of Wigan to the iPro

Johnny Russell hopes the Rams will maintain the rage!

COYR!!

Photo: Action Images

Derby County Polls