G.M's Match Preview: Rams Must Get First Win By Defeating The Damned
Friday, 28th Aug 2015 14:19 by George Martin

Derby and Leeds will be looking for their first win of the season as they continue their rivalry against the Damned United in front of the Sky Sports cameras.

In their last outing Derby could have taken all three points away to Birmingham in an entertaining, end to end game. They were denied by the keeper and woodwork on several occasions, while Carson also had to have safe hands, particularly in the first half.

Derby manager Paul Clement has hinted at a return to the 4-3-3 system as Hendrick and Hanson are both available. This will see Baird revert to right back and Shotton on the bench. If this is the selection. It will also mean Bent dropping to the bench as Derby bolsters the midfield.

Forsyth should continue to get the nod at left back alongside Keogh and Shackell who will be at the centre of defence. Ince will continue on the right wing and will be hoping for his first goal of the season. The other wide berth is likely to be Russell as Weimann will have to settle for a place on the bench. Martin will play centrally looking to integrate others into the action.

Like the Rams - Leeds are also winless in the league this season. New manager Uwe Rosler is gradually building a good squad built of experience and young hungry players, having made seven new signings in the summer.

Chris Wood should start up front with Antenucci looking to assist in attack with both players having two goals a piece this season. Motherwell signing Lee Erwin is pushing for a start after impressing in a development squad game, but will have to settle for a place on the bench.

Adeyemi, a summer signing from Cardiff, should start in midfield and Stuart Dallas, who signed from Rosler's old club Brentford, will look to cause problems for Derby from the wing. Derby will also need to keep an eye on the goal scoring threat of Mowatt.

Midfielder Lewis Cook is pushing for a start as he is back from his three-match suspension whilst Tommaso Bianchi remains the only absentee for Leeds as he continues his recovery from knee surgery. .

Both teams have been unfortunate not to get their first league win of the season in their matches so far. Although dominating in the first half, Leeds gave two goal lead away in the closing minutes at Bristol City in their last away fixture. Derby were unfortunate not to beat both Charlton and Birmingham City.

In recent years Derby have had the better of the results winning the last six at home, however this is a more organised and better Leeds team. Rosler is a good manager and tactician so Leeds will be hard to break down and will work well for each other.

If Derby can score in the opening twenty minutes, which is when they usually dominate games, then they will go on and win the game. Leeds are a threat going forward with Wood, Antenucci, Dallas and Mowatt all possessing the power, trickery and know how to cause Derby problems.

Prediction:

Eventually, Derby will have score first to lead a game and I think this will be the day that it happens. Therefore, today's prediction is Derby to win 2-1 and Martin to score.

Enjoy the game. COYR!