G.M's MatchDay Preview: Rams Will Bounce Back For Canaries Clash
Saturday, 20th Dec 2014 08:25 by George Martin

For the third time in a week, Derby will play in front of the Sky Sports cameras when they entertain Norwich City at the iPro Stadium.

Derby produced a good second half performance against Chelsea on Tuesday and but for a ludicrous decision by the assistant referee, would have pushed Chelsea all the way in what would have been an interesting finale.

Derby played with more belief and in a way, far less respect in the second half but the referee's assistant blatantly flagged for a Grant handball, realised he was wrong and then 'made up' a foul by Buxton.

He was at totally the wrong angle to see Buxton's tussle with Remy and the referee was far better placed and had signalled nothing.

Buxton will serve a two game ban but thankfully Shotton will return from his ban, in what I see as being the only change to the starting line-up for Derby.

McClaren could be tempted to start with the pace and directness of Ibe instead of Dawkins, but he may wait to use him as an impact substitute.

Mascarell will continue in the holding midfield role with the energy of Bryson and intelligence of Hughes ahead of him.

Norwich City have a good, strong squad with plenty of talent and experience. They have won their last two games, but before that had only won one of their previous ten. So it looks like they are coming back into form after a rousing win last weekend.

Against Boro in their last league outing Derby were poor all over the pitch and tactically outgunned. They did try and change things at half time, but a better quality player than Leon Best is needed to partner Martin when we go 4-4-2. I would still give Russell a go.

Norwich have good players in Redmond, Halloran and Grabbon who know this division well.

It should hopefully be a good competitive game with both teams looking to get the ball down and play.

The match should be a good test for Derby and although The Rams struggled against Boro, hopefully the fine home form and performances will continue.

3-1 Derby and Martin to score.

I've been bold with my prediction this week!

Merry Christmas to all RamZone readers!

League Form / Match Stats:

Derby — 3rd (W, W, L, W, L):

The Canaries defeated Derby in their last 2 encounters while The Rams last triumphed in 2008 when they won 3-1 at Pride Park.

The Rams are on their worst run since last season with 3 losses in their last 4 matches in all competitions, with their last win coming nearly a month ago.

Norwich — 7th (L, D, L, W, W):

The Canaries were in desperate trouble with only 1 win from 10 games before they won their last 2 which put them up to 7th on the table, showing exactly how tight things are in the Championship this season! Norwich have won their last two games, after winning only one of their previous 10 games.

The Canaries have only won 1 of their last 5 away matches.