G.M's Match Preview: To Take Top Rams Must Reverse 16 Year Riverside Run
Saturday, 2nd Jan 2016 06:55 by George Martin

Derby faces a very tough test as they travel to The Riverside Stadium for what is a genuine top of the table Championship clash. In their last outing, Derby were in control against Leeds, until a huge goalkeeping blunder allowed them back into the game. Luckily a fine flick by Russell enabled substitute Ince the opportunity to control the ball well and finish superbly in the bottom corner.

In the end it was a good point but at times a frustrating performance from the Rams as it seemed Leeds were there for the taking.

The game against Boro should see a return for Martin, Thorne and Ince to the starting line up. The formation Clement decides to play could be interesting. He could opt for the usual 4-3-2-1 with Ince coming in for Weimann and Martin for Bent. However, he could decide to match Boro's preferred 4-2-3-1.

The main debate for Derby will be who George Thorne replaces. Hendrick and Butterfield both had effective games against Leeds so leaving either of them out will be harsh.

Clement could opt to play all of them and play Butterfield on the left with Ince on the right. That would leave Thorne, Johnson and Hendrick in the middle.

At the back Shackell looks set to shake off an ankle injury which will be a relief as the Rams looked shaky after he left the field at Leeds.

Boro have Nugent available after suspension. He may start but it is likely Kike will keep his place up front in the loan striker role.

They beat Sheffield Wednesday one nil in their last outing, looking comfortable after taking the lead in the first minute but did look vulnerable at times when pressurised in the second half.

Boro are a very well organised, hard working and hard to beat team. Konstantopoulis is a very good goalkeeper and the defence rarely concede. Full back Friend likes to get forward while Leadbitter is a very determined player in midfield and Downing a good option going forward.

Prediction:

This will be a very tough test for Derby on a ground where they generally don't do well, especially when you consider the Rams have not won at the Riverside since Malcolm Christie scored a brace there way back in 2000 (see video below).

Form and statistics point towards a very tight game where either a mistake or moment or brilliance could swing it either way for either team.

Derby will need to defend very well for large chunks of the game, including defending well and making correct decisions at set pieces.

Derby have a number of big game players in Thorne, Johnson, Ince and Martin. This is a match that will require for them all to step up to the plate.

Derby's long unbeaten run could come to an end but let's be optimistic and go for a 1-1 draw with Butterfield to score.