G.M's Match Preview: Rams Will Need To Find Their Fight To Trump Terriers
Saturday, 5th Mar 2016 06:01 by George Martin

After a disappointing result where they gave away a late goal to an out of form Wolves side, Derby will hope to get back on track when they entertain Huddersfield at the iPro Stadium.

Against Wolves Derby were at best average in the first half and were given a lifeline before half time with an easy free kick, well dispatched by Martin.

Derby did seem to have more territory and possession for the first part of the second half with the best chance falling to Ince. However, as many times this season there was something lacking in the final third and Wolves got their winner.

There was time to pull a goal back and go for the draw but there seems to be a lack of desire, fight and commitment from many of the squad when the chips are down, hence why we have only come from behind to win once this season in the league.

Some fans were slightly surprised Thorne was recalled having had so many weeks out, especially as Hanson had deputised so well in his absence. This back fired when he was robbed in midfield, Olsson was beaten twice and Saville slotted the ball neatly home. Wassall also made a strange decision when putting Butterfield and not Hanson in the holding midfield role when Thorne was substituted.

I know it is early days, but Olsson is currently no better than Warnock and I find the change at left back very bemusing. Olsson gives nothing extra going forward and is not as solid at the back.

There also does not seem to be too much different in the way we play when comparing Wassall with Clement. We have slightly better tempo and slightly more freedom in the attacking third but that's clutching at straws.

Olsson and the back four look likely to stay the same while Ince may come in for either Russell or Johnson who has been struggling and seems to offer little on the left of midfield.

Bent is available and may start ahead of Martin but the latter has started to find the net again and is more suited to the lone striker role.

If Wassall is to change formation he may start with both Bent and Martin and take the game to Huddersfield. Thorne, Hendrick and Butterfield could be the midfield trio although Bryson may be given a start.

The Terriers lay in the lower part of the table and have struggled to put a consistent run together. Their notable wins in recent games have been a one nil win against Wolves and an away win against Notts Forest.

Hogg is out injured but they do have Manu available after he joined on loan from Brighton. Scannell is usually a good attacking playing and a close eye will need to kept on Well who is their top scorer.

Prediction:

Derby's play off position feels like it's hanging by a thread. Derby had won two on the bounce and Wolves none in seven, so confidence had to be high before last weekends match. Not even the local media could use lack of confidence as an excuse (this time) for the defeat against Wolves.

Derby have spent £25 million and yet are a shadow of the team from the majority of last season and two seasons ago. Working out how and why is very puzzling. People can point to one defeat in the first 19 games but results flattered performances. Forest away was a warning sign.

However, Derby should just about have enough to get over the line against Huddersfield. I hope they do for Mel Morris' sake otherwise fans will further question his decision making.

Huddersfield will make it hard for Derby and keep it tight at the back, relying on the counter attack.

Derby to win 2-1 and scrape over the line.