G.M's Match Preview: Rams Will Bounce Back And Beat Blues
Saturday, 16th Jan 2016 06:55 by George Martin

Derby will look to bounce back from their dismal display against Reading when hosting Birmingham on Saturday.

Nothing should be taken away from Reading. They out moved, outwitted and out played Derby. Their tactics and defence were spot on. They should have won the game and deserved too.

Much of the focus has been on the players and Clement's comments after the game. However, it was Clement who changed the regular formation meaning Butterfield and Johnson were in slightly unfamiliar territory and Johnson never seems as effective when asked to play defensively and hold.

It was also Clement who decided not to bring on Bent with 10 minutes to go when the formation was changed to 4-4-2 and Martin or Blackman could have been subbed. In fact, any one of 6 could have been changed; it was one of those nights.

George Thorne is in contention for a start but this will depend on how he has reacted physically to training on the past few days. Carson is also available but is unlikely to be risked especially after Grant was Derby's man of the match against Reading.

It is likely Derby will revert back to the 4-3-2-1 formation that has led to the majority of the success this season. This would be a midfield three on Thorne (if fit), Johnson and Butterfield. If Thorne is not fit then Hendrick should start.

Ince is likely to be on one wing and either Camara or Blackman the other. Potentially Blackman to start and Camara to be used as an impact sub. Hopefully Russell will be dropped.

Martin has endured a very frustrating time in recent weeks. Yes, he is not getting the service but his own game has deteriorated too. This will be due to a lack of chances and a lack of goals.

Things should remain the same at the back with Richard Keogh likely to play in a protective mask after breaking his nose midweek.

Birmingham are on a decent run having only lost one of their last five games. However they have not actually won any of their last five away games, losing two and drawing three. Eardley and Cotterill are out injured and one or two other players are carrying knocks.

Will Buckley could make his debut after signing on a months loan from Sunderland. He's seen as a replacement for Gray who was sold to Leicester. Buckley was at Brighton and is good player at this level; he can create, score, is two footed and needs to be watched.

Kuszczak is a competent goalkeeper with plenty of experience and going forward Morrison provides strength and pace, Toal intelligence and Maghoma trickery. In addition to this Spector and Vaughn could make an impact from the bench.

Many fans feel Derby have not really performed well for a full 90 minutes for a number of weeks, although they have got the results. Against Bristol City yes, but they are poor and are near the very bottom of the table.

Things need to turn around and turn around quick before a top 2 spot slips away.

Prediction :

This is a difficult game to judge. Teams usually come and defend and sit back to frustrate. Reading did the opposite, pressed high up the pitch and Derby could not cope. It worked. Could Birmingham do the same or will they sit back and reply on the counter attack?

Derby needs a performance to get back on track. At the same time the fans need to be patient and keep supporting the team, however frustrated they get. Equally the players need to also inspire that support with something on the pitch.

Derby to sneak a 2-1 win but it will be tough as on their day Birmingham are a good side.