G.M's Match Preview: Dirty Leeds Won't Stain The Return Of The Mac
Saturday, 15th Oct 2016 06:15 by George Martin

Derby entertain Leeds United at home today with a new / old manager in charge.

There had been rumours of a return for Steve McClaren and anyone who heard the Mel Morris breakfast, business question and answer sessions knew it was on the cards.

Steve McClaren thinks he should be a Premier League manger. He didn't achieve this in his first season with Derby and in my eyes was always using us a bit of stepping stone.

The Premier League door came knocking in the form of Newcastle and the way McClaren handled the situation was poor, and ultimately impacted on the team and the results, with Derby going from top to 8th in 3 months. He ensured his position became untenable and was rightly sacked.

What team and formation he and Chris Powell will conjure up is up for debate.

Carson will be on goal, Christie at right back, Keogh and either Shackell or Pearce at centre back and hopefully Max Lowe at left back. Olsson has not been good enough.

A midfield three will likely consist of Johnson, Hughes and Bryson with Anya on one wing and Ince the other. Vydra is the favourite to start up front while Wilson, Weimann, Butterfield, Russell and Bent will all be hoping to get on and make an impact from the bench.

Leeds are without manager Gary Monk who serves a one match ban. They have made a better than average start to the season but results have been mixed. They sit 11th in the league table and have picked up of late having won 5 or their last 6 games and will be hoping to spoil the welcome home party at the iPro.

Dallas and Bridcutt are injury doubts in midfield. Wood is a good striker and Derby will have to keep a close eye on him while at the other end Bartley will Marshall the defence.

Match Prediction:

Whatever opinion people have on the Nigel Pearson situation, a number of players did not seem comfortable playing for or under him. I still look back to the first two games of the season when Will Hughes was not started and just found myself shaking my head in disbelief and disgust.

Hopefully the players will play with new found belief and their free flowing attacking style will return.

Leeds are in form and will be tough to break down but hopefully The Rams will have enough attacking threat to score, especially if Mac releases the shackles.

However they must keep it tight at the back and not let Leeds get a sniff.

Derby to win 2-1 with Ince and Vydra to bag.