G.M's Cup Preview: Cameras Hoping For A Slip But Derby Will Win
Wednesday, 12th Aug 2015 13:15 by George Martin

Derby will look to make at least a few changes to the starting line up as they travel to Fratton Park to do battle with Portsmouth in front of the Sky Sports cameras in round one of the League Cup.

Derby competed reasonably well on Saturday against Bolton, but in the end could have been fortunate to head home with a point.

Derby looked more compact and solid with Keogh, Shackell and Baird playing well, which was encouraging after conceeding so many goals in the final months of last season, it was important to get a clean sheet.

Derby were a little flat at times and were fortunate that the bar saved them on a few occasions. Martin was not able to get on the ball enough, but Derby did show grit, discipline and determination to keep Bolton out, which they did.

Derby's plans for the game were dealt a major blow when both Bryson and then Hughes had to be replaced after both went down with injuries before the 30 minute mark.

You all will now know that Hughes has cruciate ligament damage and will be out for a minimum of 6 months which feels like George Thorne all over again. Best wishes to Hughes who was expected to keep the midfield ticking over this season and will be a major loss.

The management team, and the board should not mess about. They should go out and buy a replacement. Thorne could break down at anytime, Bryson has been either out of form or injured for the past year (since he signed a 5 year deal, or is this just coincidence) and the game can sometimes pass Hendrick by.

Bryson should not have started on Saturday as he has not had a full pre season. He will not have been fully fit. It was a mistake.

Derby's opponents Portsmouth had a great start to the season beating Degenham and Redbridge 3-0. They have new manager in Paul Cook (from Chesterfield), signed some new players and this has brought renewed hope.

Pompey have plummeted through the leagues in recent years, but still managed to get an impressive 16,000 + crowd for their opening home fixture.

Derby may opt for Grant in goal and Forsyth at left back. Pearce may come in for Keogh and Baird may have to play in midfield, which gives the options of Shotton and Christie at right back. Derby could even play Hanson in midfield and keep Baird at right back. Other changes may see Weimann, Bent and Dawkins all pushing for starts.

Personally, I am not overly keen on major changes as I think it send out the wrong message. I liked it last year when McClaren only made 2 changes against Carlisle and they got the job done. He continued with this method in the League Cup and we went far, playing Chelsea in a money spinning tie.

For Portsmouth, Bennett will be full of confidence having scored 2 goals on Saturday, one of them a 25 yard screamer. Ex-Ram Ben Davies has recently signed a one year deal so will be looking to be involved against his former club.

It will be a good atmosphere and the sky cameras will be hoping that a big spending Derby will slip up, hence them being there. This will all depends on the amount of changes made and if there are 4 or more, how the players deliver.

Prediction: Despite an average opening performance on Saturday and injuries to two key midfielders i am going to stay optimistic and go for a Derby 2-1 win.

COYR!!