G.M's Match Preview: Rams Must Find A Way To Score & Beat Blues
Tuesday, 13th Sep 2016 06:00 by George Martin

Tonight Derby entertain Ipswich Town at the iPro as they look not only to win their first league home game of the season but also score their first league home goal.

Despite not having scored at home, Derby have played Brighton, Villa and Newcastle, all quality opposition who all could be promoted in May.

Players, fans and local media outlets can now see that Pearson and Derby are trying to change the system and style of play. This means that the personnel within the squad will gradually change. Therefore, although fans are used to winning home games, they will have to be patient and not get too frustrated as Pearson and his coaching staff need time.

Yes, Pearson inherited a top 6 squad but many fans last season never really believed the team were actually playing well enough to get promoted.

There feels like a sense of transition but there were signs against Newcastle on Saturday that performances and results could soon change in Derby's favour.

Derby did manage to score an offside goal and Olsson had a reasonable shout for a penalty early on turned down.

Anya was lively, Keogh solid with Hughes and Bryson much more involved in the game. Wilson and Vydra lacked match sharpness while Shackell moved the ball way too predictably and slow which frustrated fans. Against good opposition, Russell was once again anonymous.

The out of form Russell will miss as he is out injured while Anya needs to recover from tight muscles and Keogh has a knock. That could mean starts for Ince, Blackman and Pearce.

Ipswich have made a steady start to the season with results being mixed. They have not spent millions in the transfer market and sold striker Murphy just before the transfer window closed.

Pitman and Spears will spearhead their attack while Chambers will try to steady and organise things at the back.

The Rams will find them tough opponents as Mick McCarthy teams are often resolute, disruptive and hard to break down.

Match Prediction:

As Derby begin to rebuild, fans need to try and stay patient. This will be another difficult game and Derby may find it hard to find cracks in the Ipswich defence.

Scoring first would boost confidence and give everyone a lift. Let's just hope The Rams do and go on and win the game.

Derby to win 2-1 and Wilson to score.