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G.M's Match Preview: Rams Too Much Of A Threat Up Front For Damned
Saturday, 29th Nov 2014 07:41 by George Martin

Derby travel to Elland Road filled with confidence after their superb victory away to promotion rivals Watford last Saturday.

When Watford equalised a number of fans would have been thinking it was going to be Brentford all over again, but with Butland making good saves, Derby showed lessons had been learnt and went onto victory after a goal of the season contender from substitute Bryson.

The management team need to take credit for taking Hughes off as he was being closely marked and kicked in the second half. Bryson is a different type of player, but can be just as influential, as it proved to be with Derby maintaining their top of the table status.

Stoke City loanee Jack Butland has returned after his loan spell so Lee Grant should return in goal for Derby after a high ankle sprain. The back four of Christie, Shotton, Keogh and Forsyth will remain the same, as the Keogh and Shotton continue to build what looks like a sold partnership in the centre of defence.

The management team have been clever with Shotton. Playing him in some games while resting him in others. He has had time to really settle into the ethos and understanding of what is needed from him. He has been able to bide his time and he has taken his chance well in the past few weeks. If injury free, I see Keogh and Shotton being paired for the rest of the season.

Mascarell should continue to play in the holding midfield role as Derby line-up 4-3-2-1. Hendrick and Hughes will look to keep their starting places, but Bryson is pushing for a start after his wonder goal against Watford. Ibe and Russell will fill the wide roles and Martin will look to get back to scoring goals after the great assists he has provided in build up play during the last two matches.

The game comes too early for the injured but training Jamie Ward, but the bench should still be strong with the likes of Dawkins, Bryson (if he does not start), Eustace, Coutts and Best all able to contribute in some form.

Leeds have no new injury worries or suspensions for the visit of Derby but what has been happening at Leeds since their takeover does not make for good reading. From the outside it looks like a soap opera consisting of a managerial merry go round and reports of the Chairman's crazy superstitions, which if true, would not go be out of place on an episode of Eastenders, or should that be Emmerdale!?

Derby's record in recent years against Leeds is phenomenal. Derby have won 10 of the last 12 meetings in all competitions, drawing the other two. Leeds' last win was 3-1 at Elland Road in September 2005. Derby have won four of the last five meetings at Elland Road, drawing one.

So far this season, Leeds have won only one of their last 10 games. They have been very inconsistent and conceded a very late goal to Blackburn last week after taking the lead.

Their only win since 20 September was 3-1 against Blackpool at home on 8 November. However, they have lost only one of their last seven home games, but they have mainly been draws. Their only defeat at Elland Road since August was 2-1 against Wolves a month ago.

For Leeds Alex Mowatt provides a goal threat going forward. He is a promising youngster who reportedly has premier league hawks watching him most weeks. Warnock will provide experience and guile at the back and Sharp will look to come on and impact proceedings from the bench.

With the Clough (Brian) - Revie history that this fixture has, there is always going to be added spice for the old skool fan (me included!), so both sets of fans and players will be up for it.

Derby needs to weather any early storm and let their football do the talking. Press high and make them chip the ball forward. Get onto the second ball and let the football flow.

A win away at Leeds would stamp another marker on the promotion push but despite Leeds looking over their shoulders, they have hardly lost at home this season — so it will still be a test of character.

Hopefully Derby will carry too much of a threat and the Damned United will not be able to cope.

Derby to win and Martin to score!

COYR!!


League Form / Match Stats:

Leeds: 16th (L,L,D,W,L)

Derby: 1st (L, L,W, W, W)

The Rams have not been beaten by Leeds in their last 12 encounters with 10 wins and 2 draws.

The last time Leeds defeated Derby was in 2005 but since then the Rams have won 4 and drawn 1 of the last 5.

Derby are atop of the Championship but Leeds have not had such a good season having only won 1 match in the last 10.

Derby has won 6 and lost 2 of their away matches so far this season.


Last Time They Met:

Leeds 1 — 1 Derby

Elland Road - Saturday May 3rd 2014


Classic Clash Video:

Derby 2 — 0 Leeds

The Baseball Ground - 1st April 1972


Coach Video Previews:

Steve McClaren previews the trip to Leeds.

COYR!!



Photo: Action Images



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