G.M'S Match Preview: Steve's Rams Will Continue To Bring Pride Back On The Park
Saturday, 19th Nov 2016 04:46 by George Martin

Derby welcomes Rotherham United to the iPro or should we say Pride Park…., after a two week international break.

DCFC will once again call the stadium by its original name of Pride Park officially from January 1st (thankfully) after a business review. Basically, iPro have/are gone/going bust. It is likely the name will change again but may keep Pride Park within the name next time. Fans feel that is a fair compromise and would be happy with that.

On the field, the Derby 'internationals' seem to have come back unscathed so apart from George Thorne and Cyrus Christie, Steve McClaren will have a good squad to choose from.

Christie has a broken bone in his foot and it out for up to three months. George Thorne has a build up of scar tissue which causes discomfort and decreases the range of motion. It is hoped injection will ease this.

Max Lowe should continue at left back and Bradley Johnson will retain the covering role in front of the back four, despite competition from Jamie Hanson. Hanson may revert to right back but other option includes Chris Baird and Anya who played there for Scotland against England in midweek.

All three have pros and cons for starting at right back. Hanson has energy, bite in the tackle and can take good set pieces, but could also be used in the second half at central midfield as a substitute. Baird has experience and is a safe bet, but is maybe more suited away from home. His lack of pace is worrying. Anya has the pace and crossing ability, but may struggle in the height, tackle and positioning. A tough call.

At home to Rotherham I'd be tempted to go with Anya but if it was Newcastle away I'd go for Hanson or Baird. Managers do like to have settled teams so fans will have the trust the judgement of the manager and coaching staff.

Ince and Russell should keep their places out wide and after Bent's stunning volley against Wolves, the ex Villa man should be beaming with confidence. Many fans had images of the Hughes scoop and Bent volley going round in their heads for days. What a goal!

Rotherham sit bottom of the league with only seven points from their opening sixteen games. Kenny Jackett has taken over after the sacking of Alan Stubbs and he will have now had a number of days training to get his ideas and concepts across.

Ward is a threat up front having scored 8 goals. Rotherham could also welcome back Adeyemi, but there is a doubt over the fitness of Lee Frecklington. Kirk Broadfoot, Kelvin Wilson and Jonson Clarke-Harris are out injured so Jackett will have to utilise his squad to the maximum.

New signing Odemwingie could start ahead of Blackstock and an ex Derby fans favourite will be in goal. Rotherham have not won in 12 games with their most creditable point coming away in a 2-2 at Ipswich.

Match Prediction:

Derby's home record against Rotherham is good and the away side are not in great form. Derby needs to start on the front foot and continue with high levels of persistence and pressure until they score.

Rotherham are likely to be tight and compact, relying on breaks and percentage balls. In Ward and Odemwingie they do have two naturally gifted goalscorers, so Derby needs to be aware of that threat.

Hopefully Derby will have too much going forward, but must make sure the quality of the crossing and finishing is good.

Derby to win 3-1 with Bent to score.