Over thirty thousand fans will be packed into the iPro Stadium to watch this highly anticipated match.

George Thorne will be given a late fitness test for Derby. If he is not fit, he may make the bench as academy product Hanson could make his home debut. Hanson did not look out of place on Saturday and played a part in the equaliser which earned Derby a hard fought point.

Martin and Bent will still be out with the latter hoping to return on Friday against Wolves. Martin will not be back until after the international break so Russell will continue playing the centre forward role. Mascarell is also injured after tearing a tendon in his foot on Friday as the injuries start to mount up for Derby

Ince and Ward will look to continue in the wide roles as they will try and penetrate the opposition's full backs. Derby could well be unchanged with Hughes and Hendrick continuing in the centre of midfield and Shotton at right back instead of Christie.

Boro have been a little inconsistent of late. They have secured good home victories, but have lost away from home against Notts Forest and Sheffield Wednesday. Middlesbrough have lost three of their last four away games in all competitions, drawing the other. Their last win on the road was 2-1 at Blackpool in the Championship on 10 February.

Defenders Daniel Ayala and Ryan Fredericks are both doubtful with hamstring injuries. Grant Leadbitter will look to dominate the midfield and Bamford will look to score again against his ex employees. Boro are defensively a good side, but they are also dangerous on the break.

This is an important and big game for both teams, but probably more so for Derby who have now not won for four games and are two point behind their fellow promotion rivals.

Hopefully home advantage and a packed, vocal home crowd will give Derby the edge in what is sure to be a tight encounter. If Derby is to still fight for the automatic spots then a victory against Boro will be a huge boost for confidence and moral.

Derby to win 2-1.

Current League Position & Form:

Derby — 2nd (W, L, L, D, D):

The Rams have not won in 4 matches — the last victory being 2-0 against Charlton late in February.

Of their last 7 home clashes the Rams have won 5, drawn 1 and lost 1.

Middlesbrough — 3rd (W, L, W, L, W):

Boro have won their last two clashes with the Rams with their last loss coming at the iPro in December of 2013.

Away at Derby has been a tough fixture for Boro having only won once at Pride Park / the iPro since 2007.

Last Time They Met:

Boro 2 v 0 Derby

Saturday 13th December 2014

Classic Clash Video:

Boro 1 v 4 Derby

Riverside Stadium — 15th Jan 2000

Match Preview — Coach / Captain:

Paul Simpson previews Boro’s visit to the iPro

Johnny Russell wants the Rams to get back on track.

COYR!!

Photo: Action Images

Derby County Polls