G.M's Match Preview: Will Dire Derby Bounce Back To Beat Brighton?
Tuesday, 3rd Mar 2015 12:02 by George Martin

Derby will be hoping to bounce back from a poor performance and defeat to Fulham on Saturday.

The weaknesses Derby sometimes demonstrate - particularly away from home - were highlighted all round in a poor game where Fulham fully deserved their victory.

The full backs looked shaky, the midfield out muscled and out played and without Martin, there was no one to intelligently hold the ball up and retain possession.

Darren Bent is injured for a minimum of 4 weeks so Derby will play without a recognised centre forward, although Johnny Russell has played there for most of his career before moving south of the border. He may struggle on his own, so Derby may bring in Bryson who does seem to be able to run beyond the centre forward and give the opposition back four something to think about.

This was the problem against Fulham on Saturday. Their back four were never pulled out of position and Derby never got in behind them as Ince and Lingard are not able to actually go past a player and get near the by-line like Russell and Ward do, and Ibe did. Ward should come in for Lingard.

Buxton or Albentosa could come into the centre of defence to partner Keogh and Shotton could revert to right back after Christie’s poor showing on the weekend that had him taken off at half time on Saturday.

Many fans were disappointed with Mascarell on Saturday and rightly so, however a lot of the frustration was possibly to do with the comparison inevitable made to Thorne and Eustace who play in the same position, but are unavailable through injury.

The Real Madrid loanee does seem to struggle against midfielders who are onto him in a flash and those who find gaps between the midfield and the Derby back four.

Kwame Thomas and may be even newly signed professional youngster ZanZala could possibly make the bench. He has been unplayable in some of the U18 games this season, playing in a centre forward role. He possesses pace, power and skill.

Brighton lost 1-0 away to Bolton on Saturday, but have won their previous two home games. They have improved under the stewardship of Chris Houghton and he does come across as a good manager.

Defender Bruno could miss out having gone off injured on Saturday and could be replaced by the fit again Greg Halford or Stephens who deputised for the final half hour at Bolton. Brighton will look continue their good home form and steer clear of a relegation battle.

Mackail-Smith and Baldock will pose a threat up front with their pace and movement. Calderon is a competent midfielder and will look to get forward too. Lua Lua, O'Grady and Best will look to pose a threat and impact in the second half if things are not going the way of the home side.

This game will be a real test for Derby. They will be wanting to atone for the result on the weekend and protect top spot on the table. Unfortunately injuries to key players, in key positions, are starting to mount up.

Under the circumstances I think a draw would be a good result and would take that before the game.

Heart saying 1-1, but head thinking it could be a defeat.

Come on heart!

League Form / Match Stats:

Brighton — 20th (D, D, W, W, L):

Brighton had gone 4 matches unbeaten before their loss on Saturday and have managed 2 wins, 2 draws and 2 losses from their last 6 matches.

Brighton’s upturn in form recently has helped them pull away from the relegation zone, having established a 6 point buffer, and far superior goal difference, between them 22nd placed Millwall

Derby — 1st (D, D, W, W, L):

Despite being a bit leaky at the back of late — Derby still have the best goal difference in the Championship with 31, closely followed by Bournemouth (30) and Norwich (29).

The Rams away form has been good up until their trip to Fulham with 3 wins, 2 draws and 1 loss from their last 6 road trips.