G.M's Match Preview: Rams Must Strike Early To Avoid Derby Defeat
Friday, 26th Aug 2016 14:45 by George Martin

Derby County travel to newly promoted Burton Albion for their third game within a week and the second of three consecutive games live on Sky, with the third the visit of Newcastle to the iPro after the international break.

Derby made hard work of beating Carlisle in the league cup in mid-week. Yet another poor first half was appeased slightly when Darren Bent Put the Rams in the lead, but a last ditch equaliser meant the game went to an entertaining and long penalty shoot out which Derby eventually won.

Hendrick, Thorne, Weimann and Forsyth are all still out injured for Derby and Johnson is in doubt with an ankle injury. Who starts where for Derby will depend on the formation chosen. Managers often say that formations don't influence performances but if this is so, then why did Derby change the formation at half time against Villa.

Camara may keep his place on the wing while there are likely to be returns to the starting line-up for Christie, Hughes, Martin, Bryson, Ince and Shackell.

New loanee and Manchester United forward, Wilson is likely to be on the bench. He is hopefully going to add quality, pace and much needed goals as Derby have really struggled to find the back of the net so far this season.

Burton were thrashed 5-0 by Liverpool in the league cup in midweek but had made five changes. Their focus is clearly on the Derby match and they utilised their squad accordingly. McLaughlin is likely to return in goal for ex Ram Bywater while another former Derby man in Naylor should play at full back with O' Grady leading the front line.

Burton also made two signings late this week Thursday when they added Tottenham’s attacking midfielder Will Miller and former Bolton Wanderers goalkeeper Harry Campbell to their squad. Starting spots may be unlikely for the duo and both may find a place on the bench, but expect Miller to be used as a sub at some stage in the game.

Burton have made a reasonably good start to the season narrowly losing to Notts Forest 4-3 on the opening day of the season. They suffered a last gasp defeat to Bristol City at home, but then returned with an excellent 3-1 home win against Sheffield Wednesday and a solid draw against Blackburn away. Not a bad start for a newly promoted club.

Match Prediction:

Derby need to start games better. Apart from Brighton at home in the first 20 minutes, the opening halves in all other games have been below the standard expected. Derby were lucky not to be behind at half time against both Aston Villa and Carlisle.

Despite playing each other in pre-season friendlies in previous seasons, this is still a local 'derby' and a first for both clubs. It will be exciting for both clubs and Derby need to be fully switched on their game to avoid defeat.

Burton seem to be attacking and scoring, but also conceding scrappy goals at the back. If Derby start poorly, they could find themselves behind early on and then they will be in a dog fight.

This is tough game to call, but Derby are not playing well at the moment and too many players are not in form.

Derby to lose 2-1, but I hope I'm wrong.