G.M's Match Preview: Nothing Is Ever A Certainty But Rams Should Roll Wigan
Saturday, 31st Dec 2016 11:45 by George Martin

Derby will be aiming for another victory against Wigan as they aim to push themselves back into play off contention.

Anya will continue at right back for the injured Olsson, who is out for at least two weeks with a hamstring strain. McClaren may also look to freshen things up by bringing Camara in for Russell and possibly Bryson for Butterfield but the latter is more unlikely as Butterfield does retain the ball well and McClaren like that style of play.

Johnson and Bent should be able to shake off knocks but if Bent is unable to start then Vydra will deputise.

Otherwise Derby will, on the whole remain unchanged after a hard fought but deserved victory against Birmingham City, where after a below average first half, they turned the screw in the second and won.

Wigan are in the bottom three and despite sacking their manager, results are still not really going their way. They have lost their last five games but did get an impressive away win at Hudderesfield a few weeks back.

Powell is out injured and goalkeeper Bogdan is out of the season having been on loan from Liverpool. The experienced JÃ¤Ã¤skelÃ¤inen will be in goal, with ex Rams Buxton and Warnock marshalling the defence. Both should get a good reception from the home crowd.

Manager Joyce may look to make one or two changes after the Latics lost away to Rotherham in their last fixture. Gomez and Wildschut will be the attacking forces in midfield with Grigg and Le Fondre looking to battle it out for the lone striker role. Wigan will look to be compact and organised and play on the counter attack.

Match Prediction:

On paper and with the bookies this looks like a home banker but this is football and this is the championship — so nothing is ever a certainty.

Derby should have enough attacking prowess and quality to keep knocking on the Wigan door but they need to take their chances.

Wigan seems to be involved in games where both teams score so the Derby goal will be threatened at some point.

However with their attacking flair, quality players to come off the bench and a solid defence, Derby should secure all three points and provide the perfect end to 2016 for Rams fans!

Derby to win 3-0 with Ince to bag.

From all the RamZone team have a Happy New Year and may 2017 bring you all the best on and off the field!