G.M's Match Preview: It's Time Derby Sent Out A Message!
Tuesday, 4th Nov 2014 06:55 by George Martin

Derby will still be hurting from the very disappointing last minute goal that they conceded against Brentford on Saturday.

A point seemed on the cards against a team with a very good home record, but an injury time goal dealt a severe blow.

It did seem strange that the coaching staff got so carried away with the performance against Fulham reserves in the league cup that they kept the same 10 outfield players with Eustace and in particular Hughes not recalled.

The last time they got over excited by a performance and didn't change the starting eleven for the following game, was when Derby played Brighton in the second leg of the play offs and Bryson was wrongly not recalled for the final against QPR… and we all know how that game finished.

Common sense would indicate a return for Eustace and Hughes for Mascarell and Hendrick. Ibe may also push Dawkins for a start, as the games come thick and fast. Dawkins is still only returning after a number of weeks out injured. Christie and Forsyth will continue at full back and with more days training behind him, Shotton may be brought back to in to partner Keogh at left sided centre half.

Russell should continue on the wing and Martin will look to add more goals to what has been a great start to the season for the striker. Zak Whitbread is not available as the Derby medical team look to try and solve his hamstring/nerve/back problem.

Derby welcomes an in form Huddersfield side managed by former Ram and generally nice bloke Chris Powell. Huddersfield are in good form and have not lost in the their last seven games, gaining notable points away to Wolves, Blackburn and Ipswich, as well as home victories against Millwall Blackpool and the 3-0 demolition of Notts Florist on Saturday. Their victories seem to be at home though as they have not actually won away since beating Wolves 3-1 on October 1st.

They seem more organised and hard to beat. These valuable points have given the Terriers confidence and moved them up the table. Their form seems to have coincided with the loan signing of Grant Holt. He gives them a focal point, brings others into play and defenders always know they have been in a game when he plays.

I remember him playing and scoring for Norwich a couple of seasons ago and he was not only a real handful, he had quality on the ball while being a danger from open play and set pieces. James Vaughn is out with a calf strain he suffered in September and Hogg is a major doubt for tonight’s game.

Nahki Wells is in scoring form and Huddersfield also possess good players in Smithies the goalkeeper, Lynch and Scannell. Look out for Paterson causing problems from the bench if things are not going Huddersfield's way.

This will be a tough game for Derby. I am not sure Derby being top of the League has had anything to do with the past 2 league results. Some fans and pundits have suggested Derby have not handled the pressure of being League leaders very well.

I am not sure table position has anything to do with a very good Wigan performance and wrong team selection against Brentford. Derby are certainly no surprise this season, they are now seen as a scalp and more and more teams are adjusting their team and tactics to have a better chance of gaining points.

Derby have to find a way to deal with this. When plan A is not quite working, we need to be able to adjust to plan B and even C, and then use plan A again at a different time during the game. For example, I have lost count of the times Butland chipping it to the head of Forsyth hasn’t worked.

Taking into account the last two league results and the form Huddersfield are in, some fans may be glad of a point. However, the players owe it themselves to perform better and prove to the fans and the rest of the league they deserve to be challenging for the top 2 and automatic promotion.

When Derby have been 'hurt' in the past they have come out fighting and performed well. I hope this in another one of those occasions.

I am going to stick my neck out a little and go for a home win to The Rams.

It's time to send out a message!

League Form / Match Stats:

Derby — 5th (D,W,W,L,L):

Derby have not been bettered by Huddersfield in the last 3 matches with 2 wins and a draw. At home - the Rams have not been beaten by the Terriers since 1957.

Under Steve McClaren the Rams have only ever had back to back losses in the League twice — the last time being in March against Burnley & Millwall. Macca will be looking to avoid 3 consecutive League losses for the first time since arriving at Derby.

Huddersfield - 14th (D,W,D,D,W):

Huddersfield are on a good run having not been defeated in their last 7 with 4 wins and 3 draws. On Saturday they dissected Forest 3-0… Thanks!

Despite their good form the visitors have only won 1 of their last 5 road trips.