G.M's Match Preview: Rams Must Get Going Or Clement's Days Are Numbered
Saturday, 12th Sep 2015 06:45 by George Martin

Derby travels to Preston having spent a further ten million pounds on Jacob Butterfield and Bradley Johnson.

Both should make their debut in Derby's new, blue third kit as Derby try to rectify a start to their season that has been largely inconsistent.

Paul Clement was quoted this week as saying his teams start has been good but many fans will disagree. Four points from five games is not a great return and although Derby have at times played some good attacking football and created chances, they are still yet to win.

My message to Mr. Clement would be that draws are no good in the championship. Derby fans have been in and out of this league for the past 10-15 years, you on the other hand have only had 10 weeks.

After five games Derby may as well have won two, lost two and lost one - even with two losses they would have been 2 points better off.

On the player front George Thorne is out injured with a calf strain, Bryson is still injured and Jake Buxton has had a setback in his rehabilitation after back surgery.

Who starts for The Rams will depend on the formation. Injuries have dictated this, but Clement seems a little obsessed with playing different formations. Fans have probably not seen Derby play the same formation for more than one half of a match so far but in fairness injuries against Bolton and Boro did force changes.

However, the back 5 has been relatively consistent with Carson in goal, Baird at right back, Keogh and Shackell at centre back and Forsyth at left back.

If Derby go for a midfield five it is likely to be, from left to right, Ince, Hendrick, Butterfield, Johnson and Russell. If Derby decide to play 4-4-2 Bent could partner Martin up front and one of the central midfield three will drop to the bench.

With no natural CDM, unless Hanson gets the nod, I think fans would like to see the Bent and Martin combination tried once again up front.

Preston have made a reasonable start to the season considering they are newly promoted. They beat Mk Dons in the opening game of the season and secured an impressive win at home to Watford in the league cup. However, they have lost at home to Ipswich and two nil away to Hull City - but with them being new to the league there is definitely no shame in that.

Centre Forward Beckford is out injured, but new loan signing Stevie May will come into the squad having signed from Sheffield Wednesday. Eoin Doyle is also in contention after signing on loan and full back Cunningham may come in to replace Woods as he should be recovered from a slight hamstring strain. The Rams will need to look out for Gallagher and Garner who will cause problems when Preston go forward.

Derby have spent approximately twenty million pounds on transfers alone and this figure excludes the wages for 'free' signings Bent, Baird and Pearce. Whatever formation Derby start with, they need to be more consistent and more positive as Derby need a 90 minute performance with pressure mounting for wins.

Clement needs to be positive in the final ten minutes (if needed) and attacking with his substitutions as to date he has been cautious. I don't include Christie coming on against Charlton in that as I think it was actually an attacking move.

Fans will fondly remember McClaren and Simpson bringing on Sammon away at Watford in their first season and Derby to win the game in the final minutes. A refreshing change.

Derby fans have joked this week that Derby are literally trying to buy a win. With the players available at their disposal this is surely going to happen sooner or later. If it doesn't, Clement's days will be numbered.

Prediction:

Backed by approximately 3,500 away fans, Derby should get their first win. Derby to win 3-1 and Martin to score.