G.M's Match Preview: Rams To Take Out Tykes For First League Win
Friday, 12th Aug 2016 15:02 by George Martin

Having secured their first point against Brighton at home in the first league game and the first win of the season against Grimsby in the league cup, Derby go in search of three points against newly promoted Barnsley at Oakwell.

Derby are likely to make a few changes from the opening day of the season as Nigel Pearson attempts to find the right starting eleven, formation and blend to the team.

Bradley Johnson will surely make way for Will Hughes. Johnson again looked nervous and his pass completion rate was poor. How a player with a new manager at the start of a new season can be that edgy in possession, right from the start of the game, is beyond me.

Some might say he was played out of position, some may say he's lacking confidence but wherever you are on the field you have to control the ball and find a teammate. If Johnson cannot be confident in the first game of the season, then when will he be?

Another change should see Forsyth come in for Baird with Ince, Bent and Blackman looking to create things going forward while Shackell will come back into the starting eleven to play against one of his old clubs.

For Barnsley, Sam Winnal is out injured but they still possess good forward options in Hourihane and tricky winger Hammill who scores goals. D'Almeida, recently signed from Marseilles and Kent, a winger on loan from Liverpool, will look to make an impact at their new club.

The Rams have not set the world on fire in their first two outings but Barnsley will be the underdogs after losing their opening league fixture 4-2 away to Ipswich Town, followed by defeat away to Northampton Town in the league cup.

Match Prediction:

After a bright opening in the first half against Brighton, Derby will look to build on that to take all three points away at Barnsley.

Barnsley will want to put on a show in front of their fans in what will be their first home game of the season.

Derby will hope to dominate in midfield and create chances with Ince playing behind Bent.

This will be a tough test for Derby as Barnsley will want to win their first home game and will have their moments.

For me it will end 2-1 for Derby with Bent to score.