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D.J's MatchDay Preview: Rams Must Win Another 'Must Win' Match
Saturday, 11th Apr 2015 08:19 by Daniel J Sewart

The Rams have had a lot of ‘must win’ games recently, and against Wigan they finally won one of them. The visit of Brentford is another ‘must win’ match as it could set Derby up to make one last lunge at auto promotion.

After the Brentford match the Rams will face 4 teams all in the bottom half, 2 of whom are stuck in the relegation zone. With Blackpool already relegated, by the time all 4 meet the Rams, they may have nothing (other than pride) to play for, which makes picking up 3 points against Brentford critical.

A positive result could revive any chance of a top 2 finish or at the very least ensure Derby are best placed in the play-off fixtures by finishing 3rd or 4th. These next two home games on the bounce, could more than any others, determine whether the Rams season is considered a success or failure.

With Will Hughes suspended for two games, due to seeing yellow one too many times, Craig Bryson should be fit again and able to fill his spot. Other than that I predict that the team will stay the same as it did at Wigan in the second half, meaning Martin and Bent will lead the line from the outset.

Whitbread is fit and available, Shotton has been ruled out of the match and unless Cyrus Christie has been forgiven, I think Steve may give the same back four who kept a clean sheet at Wigan a chance to keep their spots, something he has hinted at in the media this week.

Ward will be unlucky to miss out as he looked lively in the first half at the DW but it is time for Derby to pull out all stops and make one last charge at the top 2. The only way they will achieve that is to outscore their opposition, especially as they cannot always rely on their defence. One way to try and make sure that happens is to have two of the best strikers in the League on the pitch simultaneously.

From the bench Ward, Lingard & Dawkins can all provide pace and a genuine threat as the visitors tire and would no doubt enjoy buzzing around the feet of the Rams tall timber up top.

For Brentford only Scott Hogan is carrying a long term injury meaning the Bees pretty much have a full contingent to select from and it’s likely Derby will face the same or very similar line-up to the one that drew 2-2 against Forest on Easter Monday

Brentford have been in good form and taken points from some quality teams but have still only won 2 of their last 6. In saying that both of those wins came on the road - with the Bees away record proving impressive this season — the iPro will hold no fears for them.

The topsy turvy nature of the league has helped the visitors stay within striking distance of the top 6 and the incentive of leapfrogging the Rams into the play-off positions if they win, cannot be underestimated.

Despite this I believe the Rams are turning the corner and with their main strike force back on the park, it will leave Brentford with a massive headache that aspirin alone will not be able to cure. They have conceded the second most goals of any club in the top 14 and the most in the top 8 — so if the Rams midfield provides something akin to the brilliant service Johnny Russell provided at Wigan - you can bet on either Martin or Bent putting one away.

Defence, as it always is, will be the main issue for the Rams and it will be important the midfield assists in taking the heat off the back four and makes up for the lack of a Thorne or Eustace to clean up their mess.

The Bees can score goals as they proved by coming back from 2-0 down at Forest on Monday — so at no point can the Rams get complacent as they are a team that will not lie down and die till the final whistle.

It makes me nervous that Derby’s most consistent performer in Hughes will be missing, but if Bryson and Hendrick start brightly and provide cover, then the Rams should be able to take the vital 3 points on offer.

Bent and Martin to score but Brentford to make it interesting

2 - 1 to the Rams!


League Position / Form / Stats:

Derby: 5th - D, L, L, D, W

The Rams have defeated the Bees 5 times in their last 6 meetings. They have not defeated Derby away since 1939.

The Rams have only won 1 game in their last 8 and have not won at home in their last 3 attempts.


Brentford: 7th - L, W, D, W, D

The Bees have not been defeated in their last 4 matches (2 wins, 2 draws).

Brentford's away record this season has been impressive and won their last 2 on the road.


Last Time They Met:

Brentford 2 v 1 Derby

Griffin Park — Nov 1st 2014


Classic Clash Video:

Derby 5 v 0 Brentford

Pride Park - August 27th 2013


Coach / Player Video Previews:

Steve McClaren wants back to back wins.

Rams Captain Richard Keogh previews the visit of Brentford.

COYR!!



Photo: Action Images



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