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G.M's Match Preview: Rams Must Go On A Run Starting With Win Over Wednesday
Saturday, 29th Oct 2016 08:22 by George Martin

Derby County welcome their South Yorkshire rivals in what is usually an entertaining and atmospheric game.

Derby’s mini run was halted in typical fashion last Saturday when Huddersfield scored with a sickening 93rd minute winner.

It was another game where Derby huffed and puffed but lacked killer and quality in the final third. Slightly unlucky to lose but you make your own luck and it’s not unlucky to concede or nearly concede (against Leeds) so many late goals.

Will Hughes is suspended and his replacement Craig Bryson is very doubtful with a thigh strain. He may start with a view to taking him off after 60 or so minutes but it's a risk with the amount of running he does.

Johnson will play the holding role if Bryson is fit. If not, he will be pushed further forward with Baird and Hanson vying for the CDM role. Many fans would go with Hanson. More energy, more will to win, technically better and more bite in the tackle. Yes, Baird has more experience and can possibly read the game better but Hanson gives the team and the midfield something Derby lack - bite.

Weimann may start in place of Ince or Russell and Anya will also be hoping to get back his starting place. Although he struggles to hold the ball up, Vydra is the only real option up front.

One of Derby's worst ever signings, Bent, is likely to be on the bench. Sorry, but the guy is a waste of time. Fans would rather see a young and hungry player from the U21 or lower league club given a chance. Even Connor Sammon caused more havoc when given 15-20 minutes here and there.

Goalkeeper Westwood is struggling with a bad back but could be fit. Wednesday have no other injury problems or suspensions. The Owls have made a good start to the season having lost in the play off final to Hull last season. They were a surprise package last season, a bit like Derby two years ago.

They have managed to keep their squad together, with Hooper and Fletcher adding necessary experience and goal threat. The likeable and diving Forestieri will be keen to show why he decided to stay and not hot foot it to The Rams in the summer.

Bannan has good energy in midfield and Lee will give them bite. Buckley and Wallace, if given the chance, will look to make an impact from the bench if things are not going well for The Owls.

They visitors are on a good run having won 4, drawn 1 and lost 1 of their last 6 games. That defeat coming at home to Brighton. The stand out result being an away win at Huddersfield.

Match Prediction:

Neither team seems to score or concede many. The Owls are creating a hatful of chances but they just can't put the ball in the net. The same cannot be said for Derby.

The Rams have had a decent(ish) mini run and they need to go on another one.

Derby's record against Wednesday in the past 20 years has been good but this will be a tough game. They play good attacking football, are well organised and hard to break down.

There are a few chinks at the back that Derby can exploit but the crossing and shooting needs to be much better with more conviction and belief.

1-1 with Butterfield to score.


Last Time They Met:

Derby 1 v 1 Sheffield Wednesday

23rd April 2016- iPro Stadium


Classic Clash Video:

Sheffield Wednesday 2 v 5 Derby

24th September 1997 - Hillsborough Stadium


COYR!!



Photo: Action Images



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