G.M's Match Preview: Rams Will Return To Winning Ways By Beating Blues
Saturday, 7th Mar 2015 07:05 by George Martin

Derby will hope home comforts will get their promotion push back on track against Birmingham City.

Despite a good performance and creating numerous opportunities against Brighton on Tuesday, Derby failed to score and were again guilty of some poor defending and decision making, losing the game 2-0.

Jonny Russell should continue up front after a bright display against Brighton. McClaren will have some difficult decisions to make to the starting eleven because generally the team played well, but they still lost.

Fans are calling for Albentosa to come in to sure up the defence, the English leagues are very difficult to get used to and a knee jerk reaction may not be the right approach. It may not be the right time or game for the Spaniard to make his debut, but he could be a more long term answer to defence frailties.

The Derby back four could potentially stay the same or McClaren could revert to Christie at right back, as he has recovered from a chest infection, with Shotton to partner captain Keogh in the centre. The pace of Donaldson may see Shotton get the nod in the centre.

The midfield worked well on Tuesday with both Ince and Ward causing problems out wide and Bryson supporting Russell down the middle. Again, the midfield could stay the same, but some fans will want to see Will Hughes back in the centre of midfield.

Birmingham have no new injury news as they come to the iPro stadium on the back of two consecutive home victories. Before these games they had not won any of their previous nine after ex-Ram Rowett had initially guided them away from the relegation zone.

This run of nine games halted any hope of a play off push. The Blues have not won any of their previous 5 away games in all competition, with their last away victory coming in the FA Cup against Blyth Spartans.

Expect Birmingham to be compact, well organised and difficult to break down. Going forward they possess skill and pace in winger Gray, as well as potential threats from Donaldson and Novak. Dyer's pace and skill will also cause problems if and when he is utilised, probably from the bench.

Derby usually reacts well to a defeat as they did on Tuesday night against Brighton, after the Fulham debacle. Derby need a performance and need a reaction, otherwise it will be a very nervy final run in to the end of the season.

Players and fans will need to be patient and 'support' the team. The players could possibly be edgy after two consecutive defeats, but the fans need to make sure any frustrations they have do not make their way onto the pitch.

Derby are likely to create chances, but there will be times when the team have to defend, tackle and block, just as there was against Charlton in the last game at home.

Derby will look to get their promotion push back on track and I feel they will do just that and win the game 3-1.

League Form / Match Stats:

Derby — 2nd (D, W, W, L, L):

The Rams have not lost to Birmingham since 2010 which was the only defeat in the last seven meetings.

Derby has won 2 and drawn 1 of the last 3 clashes against the Blues. Before losing their last 2 matches — the Rams had been unbeaten in 13 of their last 15 matches.

The Rams home form has been impressive of late having won their last 5 home league matches.

Birmingham — 13th (D, L, L, W, W):

Birmingham had not won in 9 matches before winning their last 2 matches.

The Blues have been poor on the road with no wins in their last 5 attempts.