G.M's Match Preview: Rams Must Turn The Screw While Wolves Are Down
Saturday, 5th Nov 2016 08:14 by George Martin

Derby will be hoping to repeat their fine performance and result against Sheffield Wednesday when they travel to meet a manager-less Wolves on Saturday in the lunch time kick off on Sky Sports.

If Wednesday, as they should have, had scored first, Derby would have been looking at a totally different task. However, they survived the opening 10 minutes and deserved their brilliant victory. The best game of the season by far.

Steve McClaren has had another full week of training and has a midfield selection dilemma. Hanson again did a good job in the CDM role, Butterfield played very well in midfield retaining possession and Johnson put his foot in where and when it mattered.

However, Will Hughes is back from suspension and for many fans he is one of the first names on the team sheet. Although managers don't like changing a winning team, this is Will Hughes. His control, passing and intelligence on the ball is worthy of the Premier League and he has to start so Johnson could revert back to the CDM role in Derby's 4-3-2-1 formation.

Russell and Ince are likely to keep the places out wide. Ince was superb in the first half against Sheffield Wednesday. Almost unplayable at times. Max Lowe is likely to return at left back as Olsson has been carrying a knee injury. Bent is likely to continue in the lone striker role. He performed well on Saturday but the role does not suit him and the Rams may struggle with him in the role playing away from home.

Blackman is out for up to 8 weeks with a knee injury but Bryson and Shackell could make a return to the bench. With Weimann, Vydra, Anya and possibly Hanson, Derby will name a very strong and experienced bench.

Wolves sit just above Derby but on the same points. They have recently been taken over by Chinese investors who surprisingly put ex Italian goalkeeper Walter Zenga in charge. What was less surprising was that it did not work and he lasted 87 days before getting sacked.

They have not won in their last six games having drawn two and lost four. First team coach Rob Edwards will be charge for Wolves with Paul Lambert ready to take over after Saturday's game. Edwards gained a point last Saturday against Blackburn drawing 1-1.

Goalkeeper Carl Ikeme has a hip injury so will be replaced by Andy Lonergan. Joao Teixeira and Helder Costa should provide the attacking intent for Wolves and Edwards, who equalised last Saturday, will have plenty of energy in midfield.

Match Prediction:

Wolves play some good football, but struggle to score. They are out of form and have lost their last two home games. However, Derby's win record at Molinouex is awful having only won twice in the past 26 years.

The last win came 10 years ago via a Steve Howard goal under manager Billy Davies.

Wolves maybe lifted slightly by the news Paul Lambert will take over soon but this is surely Derby's best chance and opportunity to gain three points.

It would be good see Derby take the game to Wolves and be on the front foot from the first whistle. They must take the chanve to turn the screw whilst the Wolves are down.

Derby to win 2-1 and Bent to score.