G.M's Play-Off Preview: Rams To Take Down Tigers For First Leg Lead
Saturday, 14th May 2016 06:31 by George Martin

Derby County face Hull City in the first leg of their play-off semi final at the iPro stadium in front of the Sky Sports cameras.

With George Thorne having his leg broken by a terrible, high and late tackle against Ipswich last weekend, Darren Wassall needs to decide who will fill the holding midfield role.

The most likely scenario will find Will Hughes and Craig Bryson joined by either Bradley Johnson, Jacob Butterfield or Jeff Hendrick.

Hughes could start in the CDM role as his defensive work has been good recently and he is comfortable on the ball. However, he is also very effective in the final third and Derby would lose this part of his game. If Hughes plays in the holding role, the energetic Hendrick could start or it could be the technically, two footed Butterfield.

Johnson is less comfortable on the ball and less mobile but his size and strength could be an important factor in midfield. If he starts there, Hughes and Bryson will play further forward. This may all depend on how fit Hendrick and Johnson are, despite having played in a practice match during the week, they have been out for a number of weeks through injury.

Ince and Russell will start on the wings and Martin will be looking to find some touch and play a major part down the centre. Grant could return to bench with Bent, Blackman, Buxton and Weimann looking to fill the other spots.

Hull City are likely to be unchanged from the team that thrashed Rotherham 5-1, despite initially going 1-0 down. Dawson and Davies will marshall the centre of defence.

Snodgrass, Elhamody, Livermore and ex-Ram Tom Huddleston will try and get the better of the Derby midfield. Hernandez will be a threat up front, with Clucas and Akpom will be looking to make an impact from the bench.

Both Hull and Derby have been a little inconsistent in recent weeks, but this is likely due to the fact they had virtually cemented their play off spots weeks ago.

Interestingly, Hull have not won in any of their last six away games. This included a 4-0 defeat away to Derby and a surprise 1-0 defeat away to an already relegated Bolton.

Prediction:

Derby have already beaten Hull home and away this season but Hull finished a place above and five points clear of The Rams.

Derby needs to take advantage of the home tie and make it count as Derby were under quite a bit of pressure at times in the away game, with Carson making some good saves.

The Rams do have more energy and mobility in midfield and this could be a key factor against the slightly less mobile Huddleston and Livermore. Derby also have pace out wide which has caused Hull in the past.

An exciting, enthralling game in front of a worldwide TV audience and vocal iPro crowd will be enough for Derby to get the better of the Tigers in this game and make their home advantage count.

Derby to win 3-1 with Ince and Bryson to bag.