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G.M's Match Preview: Rams Will Earn Replay Against Farcical United
Friday, 29th Jan 2016 07:00 by George Martin

Derby leave the doldrums of the Championship behind when they entertain Manchester United in the 4th Round of the FA Cup, a match which will be shown live on the BBC.

In their last match, Derby performed very well in the first half against Burnley but needed to be leading at half time. It was obvious Burnley were not going to be as bad in the second half as they came out and upped the pace.

Even at 2-1 there was plenty of time to get an equaliser as Derby continued to boss midfield and made Burnley look ordinary. However a second penalty and wickedly deflected shot put pay to that. Basically, apart from a sending off, what could have wrong, did go wrong.

Carson should continue in goal and despite conceding far too many chances and goals in recent games, it's unlikely the back four will change with Warnock continuing as Captain at left back.

On that note, Paul Clement has made a mess of the captaincy with it now having changed hands three times. Baird was made captain, but is not good enough. Martin then captain, but it has possibly became a burden and now a second choice player (at the start of the season), Warnock has it. Although Warnock has been brilliant since he came in.

At the start of the season it should have been given to the most likely player to play the most games and be one of the most consistent in the team. Someone who has done the job before, with a vast amount of Championship and some Premiership experience. Yes, I am talking about Jason Shackell.

Anyway, it is likely the midfield three of Johnson, Thorne and Butterfield will stay the same, but Thorne may be rested (or play 65 minutes) with Tuesday night's Preston game on the horizon. Hendrick and Bryson will also be pushing for places.

Camara may come in for Blackman on the left wing, who has had a below average start since signing from Reading. Ince will be eager to keep his place on the right wing and Martin is likely to play the lone striker role.

For Manchester United, they have injury and fitness concerns over Darmian and Carrick. Ashley Young is definitely out injured while De Gea should start in goal with McNair, Smalling and Blind lining up in defence. Van Gaal may look to shuffle his pack after their much publicised defeat at home to Southampton put his tenure under even more pressure.

Mata and Depay will be hoping for a recall to midfield to partner Schneiderlin. Januzaj will also be hoping for a start and will look to provide the necessary service for Rooney and the tricky Martial. However, Manchester United have a home fixture against in form Stoke of Tuesday so will need to consider that when deciding on their team selection.

The topsy, turvy situation at the Red Devils seems farcical, where one week the gaffers head is on the block then the next they are on the mend and will win the League. They only just scraped past Sheffield United in the FA Cup so the manager should be sacked but beat Liverpool and suddenly he can charge to the top of the table. Most recently after losing at home to Southampton, he's getting sacked (again).

Prediction:

This game has come at the right time for Derby. There is no pressure on them and they can play with freedom and without expectation. It will still be a very tough encounter but a good start will heap added pressure on their opponents so called stars.

Manchester United still have quality and a game can change with one moment of brilliance from one of their many internationals or by punishing even half an error.

It will hopefully be a pulsating traditional FA Cup tie with plenty of action at both ends.

A 2-2 draw with Martin and Butterfield to score.

COYR!!


Last Time They Met:

Man Utd 4 v 1 Derby

Old Trafford - February 2009


Classic Clash Videos:

How could we not show this goal again!?

Man U 2 v 3 Derby

Old Trafford — April 1997

This was a pretty decent strike as well!


Pre-Match Gaffer & Player Previews:

Paul Clement is looking to playing one of the world’s biggest club.

Stephen Warnock is looking forward to clashing with Man U.

Jacob Butterfield on his time with Man U.

Club legends Roger Davies and David Nish discuss the 1975/76 FA Cup Semi Final against Manchester United.


COYR!!



Photo: Action Images



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